Use "Support for Isolated Livelihoods" Labor "Refrain from Gatherings".. Labor-Management-Government United to Overcome COVID-19 (Comprehensive)

Declaration on Overcoming the Crisis Due to COVID-19 Spread
Includes Roles and Actions to Prevent Economic Slowdown and Labor Market Recession

On the 6th, government, economic, and labor representatives who attended the 'Tripartite Agreement Declaration to Overcome the COVID-19 Crisis' held at the Economic, Social and Labor Council in Jongno-gu, Seoul, took a group photo after concluding the agreement. From the left: Kim Sang-jo, Chief Presidential Secretary for Policy; Park Yong-man, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance; Kim Dong-myeong, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions; Son Kyung-sik, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation; Kim Ki-moon, Chairman of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business; Lee Jae-gap, Minister of Employment and Labor; Moon Sung-hyun, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Labor, management, and government representatives have come together in rare unity to overcome the economic impact caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and to promote employment stability. The business sector pledged to work on measures to protect the livelihoods of workers in self-quarantine, while the labor sector agreed to cooperate in resolving labor-management issues by adjusting the timing and duration of collective bargaining agreements.

On the morning of the 6th, seven representatives from labor, management, and government announced the "Labor-Management-Government Agreement Declaration for Overcoming the Crisis Caused by the Spread of COVID-19" at the Economic, Social and Labor Council in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Attending the declaration ceremony were Moon Sung-hyun, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council; Kim Dong-myeong, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions; Son Kyung-sik, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation; Park Yong-man, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Kim Ki-moon, Chairman of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business; Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance; Lee Jae-gap, Minister of Employment and Labor; and as a special guest, Kim Sang-jo, Chief Presidential Secretary for Policy.

Labor-Management-Government Agreement Focuses on Employment Stability and Livelihood Protection... Minimizing Economic Impact of COVID-19

This agreement originated from concerns that the COVID-19 crisis could lead to economic slowdown and labor market stagnation. Chairman Moon Sung-hyun expressed gratitude, saying, "I thank labor, management, and government for coming together with a spirit of coexistence and cooperation, making concessions step by step to reach this consensus." He added, "I hope the spirit of today's labor-management agreement declaration will extend to individual companies, regions, and industries, enabling a swift resolution of damages caused by COVID-19."

First, the business sector committed to providing sufficient rest to workers in self-quarantine and to establishing minimum livelihood protection measures. They will also maintain measures to close affected locations for a certain period following health authorities' guidelines when confirmed cases occur. The labor sector agreed to refrain from large-scale events and gatherings for the time being and to flexibly adjust the timing and duration of collective bargaining agreements. They also promised to actively cooperate in resolving labor-management issues at industrial sites through dialogue and concessions.

In particular, labor, management, and government agreed to focus on preventing livelihood insecurity and unemployment among workers due to COVID-19 and to promote employment stability. Instead of workforce reductions, labor and management pledged to actively implement and cooperate on measures such as adjusting working hours, reorganizing shift systems, and granting leaves of absence to maintain employment. The government plans to support these employment retention efforts by expanding employment retention subsidies and strengthening livelihood support through loans for vulnerable groups and wage claim fund assistance. Additionally, to prevent worsening business conditions for small business owners, the government will ease tax burdens and ensure that emergency business stabilization funds are effectively disbursed on the ground. Furthermore, labor, management, and government agreed to participate in campaigns to revitalize the local economy, such as using local currency and Onnuri gift certificates.

Moon Sung-hyun, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council, and Kim Dong-myeong, Chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, are shaking hands after reaching an agreement at the "Tripartite Agreement Declaration to Overcome the COVID-19 Crisis" held on the 6th at the Economic, Social and Labor Council in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

An agreement was also reached to prevent COVID-19 within workplaces and protect workers. Labor and management will strive to apply COVID-19 prevention measures equally to subcontracted and dispatched workers without discrimination and will work to prevent hatred and discrimination against confirmed cases, quarantined individuals, and foreign workers. They will jointly endeavor to utilize staggered commuting, remote and telecommuting, and flexible work options, with the government fully supporting these efforts.

Labor-Management-Government Urges "Prompt Passage of Supplementary Budget Bill" by National Assembly

Labor, management, and government pledged to ensure that this agreement functions properly in the field and urged the National Assembly to promptly pass the supplementary budget bill submitted to it.

Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki stated, "I hope all representatives of labor, management, and government will take responsible attitudes to ensure that this valuable agreement is well implemented and practiced on the ground." He added, "I earnestly request the National Assembly once again to expedite the processing of the supplementary budget bill submitted to it."

Minister Lee Jae-gap said, "I hope the labor-management-government declaration will provide some strength to the people who are going through difficulties," and added, "We will do our best to ensure that COVID-19 ends as soon as possible so that our people can return to peaceful and happy daily lives."

Chairman Park Yong-man said, "If the supplementary budget bill submitted to the National Assembly yesterday is passed quickly and executed promptly, the assistance can reach people faster," and pledged, "The business community will do its best to implement the agreed measures today."

Chairman Kim Dong-myeong emphasized, "We recognize the seriousness of the COVID-19 spread crisis and the situation where all members of society must wisely overcome the crisis by mobilizing all resources and means to the fullest," adding, "The Federation of Korean Trade Unions will devote all its capabilities to overcoming the current national crisis."

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