In response to the government's unilateral attempt to reform local education funding, education and labor groups have formed a united front. Jeong Geun-sik, the chair of the National Association of Education Superintendents and the Seoul Education Superintendent, along with key representatives from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, held an urgent policy meeting to address the government's proposed cuts to education funding, which they argue threaten the stability of public education and the livelihoods of non-regular school workers.
The meeting took place on the morning of September 28 at the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. Attendees included Jeong Geun-sik, Yang Kyung-soo, chair of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, Kim Kwang-chang, chair of the National Federation of Service Workers' Unions, Eom Gil-yong, chair of the National Public Transport and Social Services Workers' Union, and Park Young-hwan, chair of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union.
In his opening remarks, Superintendent Jeong refuted the government's rationale for the funding cuts. He stated, "The reduction in student numbers does not equate to a proportional decrease in the financial needs of schools. Schools and classes must be maintained, and costs for staff salaries and facility upkeep continue to arise."
He emphasized the urgent need for additional financial investment in areas such as basic education, special education, after-school programs, and AI and digital education. Jeong noted that in Seoul, the education office has had to shoulder an additional burden of 99.6 billion won due to major national policy initiatives like free high school education and after-school programs. He insisted that if the government is to pursue new educational policies, it must also discuss corresponding funding solutions.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the wages and working conditions of school workers are determined through annual negotiations with local education offices, warning that weakened financial stability could lead to staffing shortages and a decline in service quality, highlighting the need for solidarity with labor groups.
Labor representatives characterized the government's funding reform proposal as a "theft" and a "declaration of abandonment of public education," vowing to take strong action against it.
Yang Kyung-soo, chair of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, expressed outrage at the government's approach, stating, "While the government is giving handouts to corporations amid a significant increase in tax revenue, it expects us to tighten our belts for education. If student numbers are declining, we should not cut the budget but rather use this as a golden opportunity to enhance the quality of education and secure the livelihoods of non-regular workers."
Eom Gil-yong, chair of the Public Transport Workers' Union, criticized the funding reform as an attempt to undermine the constitutional value of local educational autonomy under the guise of a "future response fund." He announced plans to re-evaluate the hastily proposed amendments, which were pushed through with only five days of legislative notice, and to initiate a tent protest in front of the National Assembly along with a million-signature campaign.
During the meeting, the dire realities facing schools due to immediate budget cuts were also shared. Park Young-hwan of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union reported that one in three middle school classrooms nationwide is overcrowded, and despite a surge in the number of students requiring special education and crisis intervention, the placement rate for specialized counselors is only 42.5%. He warned, "If we succumb to the unreasonable pressures from the financial authorities who are unaware of the educational realities, our schools will collapse."
Jeong In-yong, head of the National Education Workers' Union, pointed out that just as the police agency allocates 70% of its budget to personnel costs, education is also a people-centered service sector. He criticized the government for targeting workers' wages as the first area for cuts, stating, "With the vacancy rate in cafeterias reaching critical levels and one special education aide responsible for 12 students with disabilities, budget cuts will inevitably compromise the safety of our children."
Min Tae-ho, chair of the National Union of Non-Regular Workers in Schools, noted that despite a surge in excess tax revenue, the projected increase in the education budget for next year is only 3.2%, falling short of the 3.9% increase in public sector wages. He urged an immediate halt to the unilateral and hasty cuts of 32.5 trillion won to education funding, especially as non-regular school workers are entering collective wage negotiations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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