Labor group elects new leader

Moon Jin-guk, chief of the national taxi drivers’ union, was elected president of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions on Thursday.

He replaces Lee Yonh-deuk who resigned last month over an internal feud regarding the labor umbrella group’s relations with political parties.

Moon will serve until January 2014 when the term of the former chairman ends. 

Moon’s running mate Han Kwang-ho, FKTU executive vice president, was elected secretary-general.

The duo were the sole candidates in the by-election. Of a total of 2,748 delegates from its 27 member unions, 1,651 participated in the vote and 1,224 supported the pair.

Former leader Lee has been at odds with the current conservative government. His successor is considered a pro-government figure.

Moon pledged to unify the federation and work together with both ruling and opposition parties to reform labor regulations and improve conditions of non-regular workers and other pending issues.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)