President Lee urges clear 'enforcement decree' for 'Yellow Envelope Law' on labor dispute scope

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has reiterated his call for the Ministry of Employment and Labor to establish an enforcement decree for the controversial "Yellow Envelope Law." This legislation, officially the revised Trade Union Act, aims to regulate labor disputes, but its scope has caused confusion.

President Lee specifically wants the decree to clearly define what constitutes a labor dispute under the law. He expressed concern that current "interpretation guidelines" from government bodies are insufficient and could lead to inconsistencies. By codifying the scope in an enforcement decree, the president seeks to provide legal certainty and prevent misinterpretations.

The president's directive highlights a tension between labor rights and business interests in South Korea. The "Yellow Envelope Law" has been a focal point for labor unions seeking greater protections, while businesses have raised concerns about potential disruptions. Lee's push for a clear decree suggests an attempt to balance these competing demands and provide a more stable framework for industrial relations.

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The scope of labor disputes allowed by the 'Yellow Envelope Law' (revised Trade Union Act) should be established through an enforcement decree, not interpretation guidelines.