A study of regulations governing the plural trade unions system by business type or business location in Korea - With focus on limitations -

This study attempts to present the differences between bargaining situations of formerly permitted multiple trade unions, and those existing after the enforcement of the plural trade unions system after 1 July 2011, as mandated by the present day Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act. An analysis of previous research concerning multiple trade unions throws light upon possible implications for this Act, such as simplifying procedures concerning bargaining windows, bargaining restrictions and restrictions on industrial actions imposed on minority unions. This study therefore examines whether in the course of the determination of a representative bargaining trade union, the bargaining rights of minority unions as the subject of bargaining might be restricted, and further,whether restrictions on minority unions as the subject to participate in industrial actions constitutes discrimination. The study concludes that there is a need to examine the introduction of a provision for various legal services for industry-associated organizations, nationwide industrial unit trade unions, and confederations of industry-associated organizations. And the fact of establishing new trade unions by business type or business location without having to join an industry-associated organization should be considered as well.