Last July, the KHMU and employer representatives signed the agreement (see annex) after collective bargaining negotiations were completed. In the negotiation table, the KHMU represent workers’ side while employers of special purpose public hospitals, regional medical centers and private small and medium sized hospitals are currently counter-parties at the negotiation. Large-scale private hospitals and national university hospitals, however, don’t join the bargaining team even upon the request of the KHMU.

This year’s industry-level collective bargaining agreement reflects the current COVID-19 situations. For example, no lay-off, protection of rights to labor and safety and joint actions between labor and management during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with the central collective bargaining agreement, around 180 branches started their own negotiation to renew the agreement at branch level and at the moment, such branch-level negotiations are still going on at some branches. Approximately 80% of the branches signed the final agreement. The branch-level bargaining deals with wage increase and working conditions specific to each institution.