Massive Labor Rally in Seoul Calls for Union Law Reforms

On July 19, 2025, approximately 15,000 participants gathered near Euljiro 1-ga in Jung-gu, Seoul, for a rally organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (민주노총). The event aimed to demand amendments to Articles 2 and 3 of the Labor Union Act, known as the 'Yellow Envelope Law', signaling a significant push from the labor sector against the administration of President Lee Jae-myung.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions is specifically advocating for the introduction of the Yellow Envelope Law, which would expand the negotiation rights of subcontracted workers to include primary contractors (Article 2) and limit companies' ability to claim damages during union strikes (Article 3). Yang Kyung-soo, the chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, emphasized the need to ensure that all workers have the right to unionize, stating, "We must secure the amendment of Articles 2 and 3 of the Labor Union Act to protect the survival of workers and the working class."

Lee Joo-an, chairman of the Plan Construction Workers' Union, called for the Lee Jae-myung administration to abolish the anti-labor policies of the previous Yoon Suk-yeol government and to implement social reforms that guarantee the rights of workers and citizens.

The Yellow Envelope Law aims to enhance the bargaining power of unions, which labor groups believe is crucial for their effectiveness. However, the business sector has expressed concerns that its implementation could lead to an estimated annual loss of about 10 trillion won in GDP. Additionally, the union accounting disclosure system, introduced under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, allows union members to receive a tax deduction of 15% on their dues if the union discloses its financial statements. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has voiced strong opposition to this requirement, demanding its repeal.

To manage the event, police deployed 230 traffic officers in the vicinity to ensure smooth traffic flow. After the rally, participants marched through Sungnyemun and Hoehyeon Intersection, concluding in front of the Sejong Hotel.