A second labor union composed of general manager-level officials at the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) will be launched on October 30. This will make KBS the first Korean media outlet with two labor unions representing its workforce.
The fair broadcasting labor union of KBS led by co-chairman Yoon Myeong-shik said yesterday, We will hold a launch ceremony on the 30th at the viewers plaza in KBS headquarters in Seoul, adding, We will join the Korean Social and Public Service Workers Union (KSPSW) under the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, which mainly consists of government-affiliated labor unions. The new unions membership currently numbers about 50.
Yoon said, We will work to break the collusion between the media and the administration. For KBS to remain independent regardless of the political leanings of the administration, we will play a leading role in improving governance and reforming the way we appoint a CEO.
The union is planning to set up a broadcasting monitor department to supervise the broadcasting companys coverage of the upcoming presidential election. After its application for foundation, submitted to the court in April 2005, was turned down, the union filed a lawsuit and won in June as the Supreme Court ruled in its favor.
The launch ceremony scheduled for October 30 will be attended by New Right Confederation co-chair Lee Ju-cheon, Citizens Solidarity for Fair Broadcasting co-chair Kim Ju-won, Free Press Association Chair Yang Yeong-tae, and KSPSW Chair Bae Jeong-geun.