Overview

• The ruling Democratic Party ended an opposition filibuster, and the People Power Party boycotted the final ballot.
• The amendments to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act expand bargaining rights to subcontracted and indirectly employed workers and curb damage claims and asset seizures over strikes.
• The presidential office welcomed the outcome, saying the law will take effect six months after promulgation and that the labor ministry will launch a task force to gather input and issue guidance.
• Labor groups, including the KCTU, celebrated the passage, while six major business lobbies criticized it and urged clarifications during the grace period.
• Business and investor concerns center on ambiguous terms like “substantial control” and complex multi-party bargaining, with AmCham warning of potential effects on investment and reports saying GM Korea raised concerns about its long-term commitment.