Overview
- The revisions took effect Tuesday after a six‑month preparation period, with President Lee urging dialogue to resolve disputes.
- Subcontracted workers may now bargain directly with prime contractors when those firms effectively control working conditions, such as setting hours or staffing for tasks.
- The statute broadens legitimate dispute agendas to management decisions that alter working conditions and reduces companies’ ability to seek civil damages for strike‑related losses.
- Employers warn the law’s gray areas could complicate automation and restructuring, citing cases from factory robotics to petrochemical consolidations, while foreign chambers have noted investment worries.
- The labor ministry published interpretation manuals and plans an advisory panel, as KCTU signals a July 15 general strike and some subcontractor unions press for talks with sit‑ins.