Yeongcheon city in North Gyeongsang Province has stepped up outreach to the Korea Racing Authority's labor union as it pushes to attract the organization's headquarters to the city.
City officials visited the Korea Racing Authority's headquarters in Gwacheon on Thursday and met with union chairman Park Geun-mun to formally propose relocating the headquarters to Yeongcheon.
The visit was arranged ahead of the government's expected announcement of its second round of public institution relocation plans, giving city officials a chance to hear the union's concerns directly and discuss ways to support employees through the transition.
Mayor Kim Byeong-sam outlined Yeongcheon's horse industry infrastructure — including Lets Run Park Yeongcheon and the city's designated horse industry special zone — and made the case for why the headquarters should move there.
Kim said the city would actively work to improve residential, education and lifestyle conditions to help employees and their families settle comfortably in the area.
Yeongcheon has been building its case since August, when it joined North Gyeongsang Province in delivering a formal relocation proposal to Korea Racing Authority management. The city has since visited the National Assembly and other relevant agencies as part of its lobbying effort.
"Relocating a headquarters is a process of people meeting and building trust," Mayor Kim said. "We will prepare carefully and work together to find a path of mutual benefit so that Yeongcheon becomes the right choice for both the Korea Racing Authority and its employees."
kbj7653@heraldcorp.com
