회계서류 안 낸 노조 86곳…과태료·현장조사 충돌 불가피 [9시 뉴스] / Kbs 2023.03.14.

The tension continues to build as the government demands that unions hand over their financial records. Failure to comply may result in fines and further investigation. This clash between the government and unions raises concerns about potential conflicts in the future. In this article, we will explore the importance of financial transparency and the implications of withholding information.

The Search for Financial Accountability

Recently, the Seoul Bus Labor Union, which boasts a membership of over 20,000 individuals, was subject to an inspection of their financial records. This inspection aimed to verify whether the union's accounting books were being properly maintained as required by law. The union's office was visited to conduct an examination, including reviewing the statement of final accounts and expenditure resolutions.

The union is obligated to preserve seven types of financial documents according to labor laws. These documents range from income and expense ledgers to resolutions and vouchers concerning revenue and expenditure. Although the government requested both the cover photo and inner pages of the accounting book, the union only submitted the former, refusing to provide the latter.

The Foundation of Union Operations

It is essential to understand that union funds are not solely comprised of government subsidies but also the dues paid by its members. Additionally, the logic behind demanding access to financial records is not dissimilar to scrutinizing the activities of a social club. However, 27% of unions have rejected the request for financial document submission, creating a significant concern.

Out of these non-complying unions, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union (KPTU) accounted for the most substantial share, with 39 and 32 unions respectively. Interestingly, there were 15 unions that operated independently without any superior organization. Despite the government's two-week grace period for submission, fines of 1.5 million won have been imposed on each non-compliant union.

The Perils of Financial Opacity

Opaque finances not only raise suspicions of embezzlement but can also lead to conflicts and weakened unity among workers. As the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius once said in the Analects, "When financial matters are unclear, misappropriation and other dishonest practices can arise, ultimately jeopardizing the protection of workers' rights." This underscores the significance of financial transparency in maintaining harmonious labor relations.

Given the unions' reluctance to cooperate with on-site investigations, it appears that clashes between the government and unions are inevitable. Both major unions have announced plans to lodge a complaint against the Minister of Employment and Labor for alleged abuse of power. Additionally, they intend to challenge the imposed fines through legal representation.

In conclusion, the demand for financial transparency in unions is critical to ensure fair practices, protect workers' interests, and maintain unity within the labor force. The clash between the government and unions not only highlights the importance of financial accountability but also raises pertinent questions about the future of labor relations. By upholding transparency and adhering to regulations, unions can ultimately contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society.

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