435-Day Tug-of-War Ends... Tongmyong University Labor and Management Reach Collective Bargaining and Wage Agreements Ahead of 50th Anniversary

22 Rounds of Formal Talks Held, Laying the Foundation for Stable University Operations

Tongmyong University labor and management have concluded 435 days of negotiations. After lengthy talks, the two sides reached agreements on collective bargaining and wages, paving the way to rebuild labor-management relations and prepare for a new leap forward as the university marks its 50th anniversary.

Tongmyong University, run by the Dongmyung Cultural Foundation and led by President Lee Sangcheon, announced on October 22 that it had reached final agreements on collective bargaining and wages with the Tongmyong University Branch of the National University Workers' Union, led by branch chief Lee Jaedong, on October 21.

The two sides began their first negotiations on August 13, 2025, and held 22 rounds of formal talks along with numerous working-level discussions. Although differences of opinion made negotiations difficult, they continued talking and made mutual concessions to reach an agreement.

Labor and management at Tongmyong University stood before the cameras after a signing ceremony for their collective and wage agreements on the 21st.

The significance of the agreement lies not only in bringing the lengthy negotiations to a close but also in establishing a foundation for cooperation to ensure stable university operations and improve the rights and interests of faculty and staff.

President Lee Sangcheon said, "I thank the labor union and the negotiators from both sides for keeping the dialogue going and making a decision in the broader interest, even during the lengthy negotiations. I will build a university where everyone can take pride in their work and grow together, based on mutual respect and trust."

Tongmyong University has been working to strengthen its competitiveness, including its recent selection for the Ministry of Education's Regional University Specialization Project. Ahead of its 50th anniversary next year, it plans to strengthen communication and cooperation between labor and management to promote sustainable development and foster a healthy organizational culture.

President Lee emphasized, "The university's achievements are thanks to the efforts of all faculty and staff members who have dedicated themselves in their respective roles. We will prepare for the next 50 years through labor-management harmony."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.