"NH is neither a government agency nor a public institution. Therefore, the government cannot forcibly relocate the cooperative NH to a regional area. A hasty headquarters move will lead to reduced support for farmers and ultimately weaken our agricultural competitiveness," said Lee Hyun-in, acting chairman of the NH Financial Industry Labor Union, during a rally in front of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport at the Government Sejong Center around noon on July 23.
Lee expressed concern that "politicians are pushing for amendments to the NH Act," warning that if the law changes, the headquarters could move from Seoul to a regional area.
The union gathered for a rally titled 'Stop the Relocation of NH Headquarters' to criticize the government's second phase of relocating public institutions. Currently, the Agricultural Cooperatives Act mandates that the main office of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation be located in Seoul. However, some argue that the headquarters should be moved to Naju or Sejong for balanced national development.
In response, Lee stated, "The National Agricultural Cooperative Federation is a key organization responsible for the sale of agricultural products. The capital region is not only the largest consumer market in the country but also a critical area for price formation and distribution of agricultural products, making it the optimal location for market analysis, expanding sales channels, and distribution cooperation."
He also raised concerns about potential conflicts among local cooperatives. Since NH consists of 1,110 agricultural cooperatives across the country, a regional relocation could lead to disputes. Relocating to a specific area may create physical limitations, resulting in conflicts based on regional advantages and disadvantages in future business operations.
The union highlighted the significant social costs associated with the headquarters relocation. They estimate that fewer than 500 employees, excluding essential personnel, could be relocated. However, the cost of moving the headquarters alone is projected to exceed 252 billion won, not including land acquisition costs.
Notably, 73% of the 70,000 employees across the NH system are already working in regional areas. The union argues that while astronomical costs will be incurred, the economic impact on local economies may be minimal.
Concerns were also raised about the potential weakening of agricultural competitiveness due to unnecessary expenses. Lee emphasized, "The relocation costs, which could reach hundreds of billions of won, will ultimately erode the funding available for supporting farmers. If the government insists on this unilateral relocation policy, it must take full responsibility for the consequences."
There are also worries about the autonomy of cooperatives. Decision-making in cooperatives should reflect the will of the members, and there are criticisms that this cannot be enforced.
The NH union has announced further actions, including a rally scheduled for July 29 in Gwanghwamun, and is considering a general strike depending on future developments.
Lee expressed concern that "politicians are pushing for amendments to the NH Act," warning that if the law changes, the headquarters could move from Seoul to a regional area.
The union gathered for a rally titled 'Stop the Relocation of NH Headquarters' to criticize the government's second phase of relocating public institutions. Currently, the Agricultural Cooperatives Act mandates that the main office of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation be located in Seoul. However, some argue that the headquarters should be moved to Naju or Sejong for balanced national development.
In response, Lee stated, "The National Agricultural Cooperative Federation is a key organization responsible for the sale of agricultural products. The capital region is not only the largest consumer market in the country but also a critical area for price formation and distribution of agricultural products, making it the optimal location for market analysis, expanding sales channels, and distribution cooperation."
He also raised concerns about potential conflicts among local cooperatives. Since NH consists of 1,110 agricultural cooperatives across the country, a regional relocation could lead to disputes. Relocating to a specific area may create physical limitations, resulting in conflicts based on regional advantages and disadvantages in future business operations.
The union highlighted the significant social costs associated with the headquarters relocation. They estimate that fewer than 500 employees, excluding essential personnel, could be relocated. However, the cost of moving the headquarters alone is projected to exceed 252 billion won, not including land acquisition costs.
Notably, 73% of the 70,000 employees across the NH system are already working in regional areas. The union argues that while astronomical costs will be incurred, the economic impact on local economies may be minimal.
Concerns were also raised about the potential weakening of agricultural competitiveness due to unnecessary expenses. Lee emphasized, "The relocation costs, which could reach hundreds of billions of won, will ultimately erode the funding available for supporting farmers. If the government insists on this unilateral relocation policy, it must take full responsibility for the consequences."
There are also worries about the autonomy of cooperatives. Decision-making in cooperatives should reflect the will of the members, and there are criticisms that this cannot be enforced.
The NH union has announced further actions, including a rally scheduled for July 29 in Gwanghwamun, and is considering a general strike depending on future developments.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.