Park Min-kyu, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, withdrew a proposed amendment to the Labor Standards Act that would have allowed companies to pay performance bonuses in local currency after facing criticism from labor groups and the public.
On July 10, Park announced on Facebook, "I humbly accept public opinion," adding, "I will prepare more carefully for ways our companies can grow together with local communities. I will deeply reflect on all the criticisms and concerns shared with me."
The amendment, which Park introduced on July 8, included provisions allowing wages to be paid in forms other than cash, specifically mentioning local love gift certificates as an alternative.
Park stated that the goal was to create a virtuous cycle where corporate profits and bonuses contribute to revitalizing the local economy.
In response, the Samsung Group's labor union, Samsung Electronics branch, issued a statement asserting, "If you are confident that local love gift certificates are no different from cash, apply this experimental approach to the salaries of the lawmakers who proposed it, not to workers' wages." They also described the proposal as a "dangerous attempt that undermines the foundation of wage payment."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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