Union leaders criticize President Lee Jae-myung's remarks on public servant overtime compensation and call for systemic changes
Category: Politics
In a recent statement, the 대한민국공무원노동조합총연맹 (Korean Government Employees Union Federation) expressed its discontent with President Lee Jae-myung's comments on the overtime pay system for public servants. The union, which comprises 140,000 members, urged the government to address the issues surrounding overtime compensation and to modernize the payment structure.
The controversy stems from remarks made by President Lee during a meeting on April 9, 2026, where he suggested that public servants should be compensated for their overtime work based on the hours they fill. He stated, "I believe that compensation should be based on the hours worked," implying that some public employees may be inflating their hours for unjust gain. In response, the union criticized this perspective, arguing that it diminishes the legitimate compensation that workers are entitled to, framing it instead as a form of "unjust receipt."
In its statement released on April 14, the union highlighted the fundamental issues plaguing the overtime compensation system. They pointed out that the current overtime pay rates are significantly lower than those stipulated by the Labor Standards Act, with public servants receiving only 55-60% of the standard rates. "Even when working overnight, the pay they receive does not meet minimum wage standards," the union noted, indicating a severe undervaluation of public service labor.
The union's statement also criticized the government's "small government" policy, which has led to workforce reductions and a penalty system that has exacerbated staffing shortages. This has resulted in a surge of sick leave and extended absences, forcing the remaining public servants to undertake excessive overtime. The union emphasized that the root of the overtime issue is not merely the hours worked, but rather a systemic devaluation of labor and a collapse of on-site personnel.
In light of these challenges, the union has made several demands to the government, including:
Meanwhile, the 전국시군구공무원노동조합 (National Association of Local Government Employees) also issued a statement on the same day, calling for the government to normalize overtime compensation and eliminate unpaid labor. They praised President Lee's acknowledgment of the issues surrounding the comprehensive wage system but noted that the realities of public service remain entrenched in a structure where "work increases but compensation decreases."
The local government employees' union criticized the government's past responses to their demands for reform, which have included minor adjustments such as increasing penalties for fraudulent claims and raising the adjustment rates for lower-grade positions. They stressed that these changes do not address the core issues and instead perpetuate a system where overtime pay is consistently below normal wage levels.
They pointed out that, due to budget constraints, the government has introduced systems like the salary standard and reduction rates that have continuously diminished overtime pay rates. This has created a paradox where public servants are working overtime yet receiving less than their regular pay, which they argue is a clear violation of their right to fair compensation.
Adding to the urgency of the situation, the local government employees' union highlighted that public servants are frequently placed in a state of perpetual overtime due to the increasing demands of national and local projects, emergency responses, and various government policies. They lamented that, even with the heavy workload, the compensation does not follow suit, leading to a culture of unpaid labor.
As part of their demands, the local government employees' union called for the following reforms:
In a related development, President Lee, during a meeting on April 14, reiterated the need to improve unnecessary work culture related to overtime practices and the comprehensive wage system. He emphasized that "proper compensation must be ensured," but also urged a reduction in formal overtime practices that are unnecessary. He stated, "When we work, we must work properly, and we should avoid unnecessary overtime," highlighting the importance of building an efficient work environment.
These remarks have raised expectations that the government might impose stricter standards for managing overtime across public institutions and local governments. Discussions on performance-based evaluations and improvements in work efficiency are likely to follow.
As the labor market increasingly focuses on work-life balance and reduced working hours, President Lee's comments signal a potential shift in public sector work culture. The unions, for their part, have made it clear that they will continue to push for meaningful reforms until their demands are met.
In closing, the unions have warned that if the government continues to ignore the voices of public servants, they will mobilize their 1.2 million members for a strong collective response. The call for reform is not just about pay; it is about recognizing the dignity and value of public service labor in South Korea.