Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, visited the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) on September 10, emphasizing that "we are family" and expressing his commitment to incorporating labor perspectives into ongoing issues such as mega projects. Kim Dong-myung, the KCTU chairman, acknowledged the importance of mega projects but stressed that labor rights must not be compromised during the government's policy implementation process.
During his visit to the KCTU in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim stated, "I believe we are family. We are allies and comrades politically," and added that the partnership with the KCTU should be strengthened beyond mere restoration. This was Kim's first visit to the KCTU since taking office as party leader.
He pledged to change the approach from simply asking labor to follow along with good initiatives to one of collaboration and consultation, stating, "We will take the lead in considering issues like mega special zones and the relocation of public institutions, but we will engage in as much dialogue and consultation as possible during the process of creating and implementing plans."
This visit is seen as an effort to ease labor concerns regarding the government's push for a 52-hour workweek and the relocation of public institutions. Labor groups have expressed fears that such policies could lead to a regression in labor rights.
In this context, Chairman Kim remarked, "I fully understand the government's and ruling party's concerns regarding mega special zones and the integration and relocation of public institutions for the future and industrial competitiveness of South Korea," but he insisted that the value and rights of labor must not be diminished in the process of preparing for the future. He emphasized that gaining labor cooperation should not involve the same regulatory relaxations as in the past, but rather should focus on future-oriented solutions that allow labor and industry to develop together.
Chairman Kim also highlighted that the KCTU is not an opposing force to the Lee Jae-myung administration but rather a partner that seeks success in governance. He noted the importance of moving forward in the same direction, even when opinions differ or conflicts arise.
Additionally, the KCTU presented Kim with legislative tasks, including extending the legal retirement age to 65, retracting attempts to exclude labor rights from mega special zone legislation, ensuring political basic rights for public servants and teachers, reforming the exemption system for working hours, abolishing guidelines related to labor disputes, and guaranteeing substantial labor negotiations regarding the consolidation of public institutions.
During his visit to the KCTU in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim stated, "I believe we are family. We are allies and comrades politically," and added that the partnership with the KCTU should be strengthened beyond mere restoration. This was Kim's first visit to the KCTU since taking office as party leader.
He pledged to change the approach from simply asking labor to follow along with good initiatives to one of collaboration and consultation, stating, "We will take the lead in considering issues like mega special zones and the relocation of public institutions, but we will engage in as much dialogue and consultation as possible during the process of creating and implementing plans."
This visit is seen as an effort to ease labor concerns regarding the government's push for a 52-hour workweek and the relocation of public institutions. Labor groups have expressed fears that such policies could lead to a regression in labor rights.
In this context, Chairman Kim remarked, "I fully understand the government's and ruling party's concerns regarding mega special zones and the integration and relocation of public institutions for the future and industrial competitiveness of South Korea," but he insisted that the value and rights of labor must not be diminished in the process of preparing for the future. He emphasized that gaining labor cooperation should not involve the same regulatory relaxations as in the past, but rather should focus on future-oriented solutions that allow labor and industry to develop together.
Chairman Kim also highlighted that the KCTU is not an opposing force to the Lee Jae-myung administration but rather a partner that seeks success in governance. He noted the importance of moving forward in the same direction, even when opinions differ or conflicts arise.
Additionally, the KCTU presented Kim with legislative tasks, including extending the legal retirement age to 65, retracting attempts to exclude labor rights from mega special zone legislation, ensuring political basic rights for public servants and teachers, reforming the exemption system for working hours, abolishing guidelines related to labor disputes, and guaranteeing substantial labor negotiations regarding the consolidation of public institutions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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