The public sector labor union has demanded that next year's civil servant wages be increased by 6.6%. The Korea Public Sector Workers' Union (KPSWU) and the National Public Officials Union (NPOU) held a press conference near the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 19th, and revealed this.
KPSWU and NPOU stated that they will demand ▲a 6.6% wage increase ▲a monthly meal subsidy increase of 30,000 won ▲an increase of 35,000 won in the job allowance for ranks below 6 ▲the establishment of a job allowance for teachers ▲realignment of the overtime pay rate ▲a 10% increase in holiday vacation pay ▲a 10% increase compared to the current payment rate of the service allowance, in the Civil Service Compensation Commission that determines next year's civil servant wages.
The public sector labor union noted, "Over the past five years, prices have risen by 16.2%, but civil servant wages have only increased by 9.9%, resulting in a real income decrease of 6.3%," and added, "Civil servants receive a fixed meal subsidy of 140,000 won monthly, which amounts to 6,360 won per meal based on 22 working days per month. We must at least guarantee the minimum cost of meals."
They continued, "The government should positively accept our demands to reduce the number of resigning civil servants and allow them to focus solely on their duties without worrying about wages," and stated, "Starting with a rally at the end of this month, we will fight vigorously until our demands are met."
Meanwhile, the Civil Service Compensation Commission will hold its first meeting on the 30th at the Government Seoul Office to discuss next year's wage levels for civil servants. The commission usually reviews and recommends the wage increase rate to the Ministry of Personnel Management by mid to late July, and the Ministry of Personnel Management then consults with the Ministry of Economy and Finance regarding civil servant labor costs.