[사설] 전장연 지하철 시위 중단, 오세훈 시장이 답할 차례다

An 8-month-long protest by the National Federation of Disability (전장연) has been called off, signaling that it's now time for Seoul Metropolitan Mayor Oh Se-hoon to step up. This comes after the Democratic Party of South Korea had promised to address disability rights and reopen public job opportunities. The federation has decided to halt the protest, trusting the political promises and asserting their rights through the "rideshare" protest.

As a result, Mayor Oh Se-hoon must now demonstrate responsibility by forming budgets based on the revised regulations. Both 전장연 and the Democratic Party held a joint press conference on the 24th to announce the Social Agreement Declaration for disability rights. The Democratic Party aims to change the 'Mobility Improvement' aspect in the first ordinance to 'Right Guarantee,' ensuring its legal recognition.

They also plan to increase the ratio of disabled-friendly buses from the current 79.4% to 100% and boost the employment of disabled individuals in disabled-only taxis. The 2nd ordinance plans to revive 'Rights-based Public Jobs' started in 2020 but discontinued in 2024. 전장연 believes that the amended ordinances will pass through the Seoul City Council meeting the following month.

This was a request for simple fairness, such as installing elevators in all subway stations, introducing low-floor buses, and allocating budgets for job guarantees. 전장연 has been involved in 1135 rides to work protests, including regular ticket protest and lawsuits for compensation. However, Mayor Oh Se-hoon has been consistent in maintaining a 'non-engaged' attitude, responding with lawsuits and compensation demands.

Starting from 2024, the government will abolish the 'Rights-based Public Jobs' budget, with 400 disabled individuals participating in the 'Rights-based Public Jobs' project. The Democratic Party's majority in the Seoul City Council, with 80 seats out of 118, played a significant role in these negotiations. It is expected that Mayor Oh Se-hoon will approach the negotiations with a cooperative attitude, ensuring transparent budget allocation and execution.

Additionally, the central government should take responsibility by increasing funding for disabled taxi operations and legalizing the Rights-based Public Jobs. The legislative branch should also enhance its responsibility by legally declaring disability mobility rights as a basic right through the "Transportation-Afflicted Mobility Guarantee Act."