In an appearance on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus," Kim commented on the negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its labor union, saying, "Our society has experienced significant growing pains that we all need to address." He added that the discussions surrounding how to socially redistribute the profits generated by rapid productivity increases, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence, have been opened.
Regarding the emergency mediation authority, which has been raised by some within the government and business circles, he remarked, "I said that the occurrence of a strike at Samsung Electronics is something I could never imagine. However, it is not entirely impossible for a strike to happen." He emphasized that from his perspective, the idea of employing emergency mediation authority is indeed unthinkable.
Previously, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan had stated, "I cannot yet imagine a strike occurring." President Lee Jae-myung also made comments suggesting that basic rights could be limited for the sake of public welfare.
In response to Kim Jeong-kwan's remarks, Kim Young-hwan noted, "The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy has his responsibilities, and I have mine." He speculated that the urgency behind the Minister's comments might stem from a desire to protect the fragile growth momentum that could be jeopardized by a strike at Samsung Electronics.
On the topic of limiting public welfare, he clarified, "This is not simply about hindering corporate profits. It is not a matter of whether a company has profits or not. If it exacerbates polarization, is that a risk to the development of the national economy?" He further explained that the President has emphasized the need to increase union organization rates and foster a labor-respecting society. However, he acknowledged concerns that declining public opinion toward unions could hinder economic benefits.
In response to inquiries about whether the Yellow Envelope Law has intensified disputes, he countered, "It is quite the opposite. The criticism against the super-large union at Samsung Electronics overlooks subcontractors and appears self-serving. The Yellow Envelope Law is intended to facilitate negotiations between subcontractors and primary contractors to address these issues." He added, "The way to suppress self-serving behavior is through the activation of the Yellow Envelope Law. Ensuring compliance with the Yellow Envelope Law is essential to changing the structure that allows only primary contractors to benefit." He also addressed claims that the law provides immunity for illegal strikes, stating that the super-large union has engaged in lawful disputes.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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