[Editorial] Where is compromise and concession?

The Democratic Party (DP) was stopped from railroading another controversial revision to the Nursing Act. National Assembly speaker Kim Jin-pyo had removed the agenda, citing a lack of bipartisan agreement. The DP attempted to resubmit the revised bill but was once again stopped by Kim, who is from the party. Kim suggested he would put the bill to a vote at the next plenary session if the DP and the People Power Party (PPP) come up with “a reasonable alternative” after additional discussions.

Meanwhile, the conflict between doctors and nurses over the revision is deepening. The professions and roles of doctors, oriental medicine doctors and nurses are subject to just one medical act. But the revision proposes to create a separate law specifically defining and protecting the rights of nurses. The Korean Nurses Association claims that a separate law for them is necessary for the public health and safety of patients. But the Korea Medical Association (KMA) and other healthcare groups all oppose the separate law as it will “endanger public lives and health.” The KMA has threatened to go on a general strike if the revision passes the National Assembly.

A bill with the potential for high social ramifications and conflict requires sufficient discussion. But politicians aggravated the conflict. The revised bill was submitted to the National Assembly in March 2021 and passed the Health and Welfare Committee in May last year. The legislature had enough time to hear the opinions of stakeholders and mediate a compromise.

But it didn’t. Instead, the DP plans to put another contentious revision to the Broadcasting Act directly to a full vote after skipping a committee review, not to mention another revision to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act aimed to prevent employers from filing a damage suit against labor unions if their strike is not illegitimate. If passed, the revision to the Broadcasting Act will enable the liberal forces’ command over public broadcasters and the revision to the labor law will help unions stage strikes freely.

The government and the PPP also must share the liability for failing to come up with alternatives to help ease the conflict. Last week, they hastily tried to mediate through a compromise package. But the members of the nurse association walked out of the meeting, worsening the situation.

The government and PPP must show sincere actions to persuade the related parties. The KMA and other groups also should be more open to a compromise instead of sticking with steadfast opposition. The two rivaling parties must make compromises and concessions since the interests of the public are at stake.