Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop: "Let's Join Forces for the Success of the Gwangju-type Job Model"

Appeal at the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Regional Headquarters Delegate Conference

Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop is delivering a congratulatory speech on the morning of the 16th at the 2020 Regular Delegates Conference held at the Korean Federation of Trade Unions Gwangju Regional Headquarters in Im-dong, Buk-gu. Photo by Gwangju Metropolitan City

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, appealed to the labor sector to “unite efforts for the success of the Gwangju-type job project, focusing solely on the creation of quality jobs for youth and the greater cause of the future of the Korean economy.”

Mayor Lee made these remarks in a congratulatory speech at the regular delegates' meeting held at the Korean Federation of Trade Unions Gwangju Regional Headquarters on the morning of the 16th.

He recalled, “Led by Chairman Yoon Jong-hae’s strong will that ‘history does not change as time passes like the seasons,’ the labor family united tightly, and on January 31 last year, our Gwangju hosted President Moon Jae-in and held an investment agreement ceremony with Hyundai Motor Company,” adding, “It was a historic day marking the successful first step of the world’s unprecedented local government-led social grand integration and labor-management win-win Gwangju-type job project.”

He continued, “And now, an automobile factory is being built in Gwangju for the first time in 23 years,” evaluating that “this is a precious fruit we have cultivated with a sense of historical mission to solve youth employment issues, transform the structure of the Korean economy, and open a new future for the Republic of Korea.”

Mayor Lee expressed concern, saying, “However, the labor sector did not attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gwangju Global Motors automobile factory on December 26 last year, causing worry not only among Gwangju citizens but the entire nation about the future of the Gwangju-type automobile factory. Shareholders who invested 230 billion won trusting Gwangju and the youth waiting for Gwangju-type jobs are also anxious and distressed.”

He added, “Until now, we have faced countless challenges, but we have come this far by communicating with trust and making small concessions. I believe we must continue and will continue in this way,” emphasizing, “My sincerity to stand with the labor sector as a partner for mutual growth until the end has never wavered even once.”

Mayor Lee promised, “Starting with myself as mayor, I will listen more humbly to the voices of the labor sector, and I will reorganize and innovate the system so that the opinions of the labor sector, a pillar of social grand integration, are actively reflected in the Gwangju-type job project and Gwangju city administration, and continuous solidarity can be achieved.”

He also urged the labor sector’s participation again, saying, “History will highly evaluate the labor sector’s devoted decision in the future.”

He concluded with a repeated appeal, “I too will devote all my passion and sincerity to creating a society where labor is respected and workers are dignified,” adding, “Without labor-management win-win, there are no jobs for youth nor a future for the Korean economy. This is a burden we must bear for the times; let us share it and move forward together.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.