Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East, Volume VI

895.5043/9–2447

Conclusions of SWNCC 376, “Treatment of Korean Workers Organizations” Approved September 23, 1947¹⁹

September 23, 1947

secret

Appendix “C”

1. Encouragement will be given to the development of democratic labor organizations in all fields of economic activity.

(a) The right of workers to organize and join labor unions or similar organizations of their own choosing will be recognized and labor unions and workers will be safeguarded in their efforts to improve wages, hours and working conditions, and to promote their mutual protection and economic status generally. You will not permit employers to interfere with, restrain, coerce or discriminate against employees or prospective employees because of union membership or activities. You will protect the right of union organizations to influence legislation through orderly means, and otherwise to represent publicly their members in matters affecting their economic and social status. Administrative machinery adequate to secure these rights and safeguards, based upon appropriate legislation, will be established.

(b) In the adjustment of labor relations and labor disputes, the practice of collective bargaining will be encouraged, assisted, where necessary, by agencies of conciliation, mediation and voluntary arbitration.

(c) Strikes or other work stoppages should be prohibited only when the Military Governor considers that such stoppage is harmful to the objectives or security of the occupation.

(d) The military security forces and the constabulary or police forces will not participate in or intervene in labor disputes except to prevent public disorder and to safeguard life and property.

(e) You will facilitate and protect the right of labor unions and workers to hold meetings, print and distribute handbills, posters and newspapers, engage in peaceful picketing and to utilize peaceful means in recruiting members or obtaining public support for their activities.

(f) Workers should be free to choose the form of organization of their unions, whether on a craft, plant, industry or territorial basis. Unions should be allowed to form federations or similar groupings.

(g) You will encourage the use of secret balloting and democratic methods in the election of trade union officials and standing committees.

2. Encouragement will be given to the improvement of working conditions and the development of protective legislation.

(a) You will develop legislation to eliminate abuses in working conditions and to promote industrial health and safety and will establish agencies competent to enforce and administer such legislation.

(b) You will pursue employment policies designed to relieve unemployment and make maximum use of the manpower resources of Korea.

(c) You will encourage the establishment of a wage and salary structure designed to promote industrial efficiency and stable labor relations.

(d) You will encourage the development of appropriate social insurance and public assistance legislation and the establishment of agencies competent to implement such legislation.

19. Originally dated June 27 and revised July 2 prior to approval by SWNCC. Copy transmitted to the Department in SWN–5703, September 24, with the statement that the conclusions were to be telegraphed to Seoul by the Joint Chiefs of Staff for implementation. The JCS sent the conclusions as WARX 87117 on September 25, and a copy of the entire paper was also sent.