KCTU Asks Government for 40 Billion Won

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) announced on April 2 that it submitted a budget support application form asking for 40 billion won for purchasing a KCTU headquarters facility to the Ministry of Labor. The KCTU plans to consolidate its headquarters and 16 offices since it buys or builds new buildings with the government`s budget.

The government previously funded 970 million won to the KCTU for a building lease subsidy and also plans to fund one billion more won this year. On the other hand, the government is funding 33.7 billion won for three years for the construction of the Central Labor Welfare Center, which will be built on the ground of its hall in Yeouido, Seoul.

As some labor circles have shown reactions such as, "If the KCTU receives a large government subsidy, it might hurt its impartiality," some controversy is expected surrounding its budget request. On this subject, the director of labor-management bureau Roh Min-ki in the Ministry of Labor responded, saying, "The government will provide funding when both trade unions` applications are judged as valid. We will examine the KCTU`s request."

Jong-Hoon Lee taylor55@donga.com