South Korea Failing to Meet Labor Commitments Under EU Trade Deal

South Korea is breaching labor provisions under its trade deal with the European Union, a panel of experts concluded. The panel, appointed by the EU and South Korea as part of their trade agreement’s dispute settlement system, found that South Korea needs to adjust its labor laws and practices and ratify four conventions under the International Labour Organization, the EU said Jan. 25. South Korea must meet those requirements “regardless of their effect on trade,” the panel said, agreeing with the EU's arguments that they are legally binding. EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said the EU will work “closely” with South Korea “to ensure it effectively implements commitments on workers' rights.” South Korea's U.S. embassy didn't comment.