Refraining from Claiming Excessive Damages against Unions

Regarding responsibility for damages and losses resulting from strikes President Roh Moo-hyun ordered to refrain from demanding excessive damages, saying that in the past damages were claimed against trade unions and even union leaders at a cabinet meeting.

When construction and transportation minister Choi Jong-chan reported countermeasures after the end of the railroad strikes to the president, he ordered the minister to consult with the Ministry of Labor and the Justice Ministry for standards for claiming damages in the government and state-run companies. The president said, "If union dues are seized, it can be a fatal blow to the union. Therefore, if damages claimed against unions are excessive, there could be resistance.

Mr. Roh also ordered cabinet ministers to prepare measures against emergencies, such as strikes that paralyze cargo transportation, finance, electricity, energy, and communications, in order to make the nation function at least.

On the other hand, when the president was briefed on cases where there are some stumbling blocks to foreign investment, he stressed the importance of establishing measures to get rid of difficulties foreign investors suffer through a legal framework. He asserted that South Korea should be a prepared nation for attracting foreign investment.

He also added that in that Koreans as well as foreigners can suffer difficulties in making investment, a one-stop service should be delivered for domestic investors.

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com