President Moon: "A Society That Respects Labor Is Essential for Us to Prosper Together"

On the 130th Labor Day, President Moon Jae-in's SNS Message... "On Labor Day, with a solemn heart before an unfortunate accident, I pray for the deceased"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "Most of the victims of the Icheon fire were daily wage workers." President Moon Jae-in expressed his condolences for those who lost their lives in the Icheon logistics warehouse fire through an SNS message on the occasion of the 130th World Labor Day.

President Moon said, "Workers in electricity, painting, equipment, and concrete pouring were finishing up construction work at the logistics warehouse when they suffered a sudden disaster. On Labor Day, I once again offer my solemn prayers for those who lost their lives in this unfortunate accident and pay tribute to the efforts of all workers in this land. The death of overseas Korean workers who were nurturing their dreams in their homeland is truly heartbreaking. I sincerely comfort their families."

In particular, President Moon emphasized, "A society that respects labor is one where we can all prosper together. Through experiencing COVID-19, we have reflected on how precious the value of 'coexistence' is, and we have come to reconsider the importance of labor that creates and shares new values."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon said, "Workers are now the mainstream of our society and, as the mainstream, must become the center of 'solidarity and cooperation' for all lives. The government will also do its utmost together with workers and businesses to protect jobs. We will help our economy regain vitality and create hope through 'coexistence'."

President Moon stated, "Industrial accidents occur in the course of diligent labor. They carry deep social significance and are heartbreaking, no less than any sacrifice. Above all, we will do our best to reduce industrial accidents by ensuring safe workplaces. On this Labor Day morning, I think of all workers who sacrificed themselves while sweating for a better world. I support the workers who continue to maintain daily life and keep the world moving at workplaces everywhere."

President Moon said, "Just as fresh greenery grows abundantly without change, farmers sow seeds at the right time, and as years pass, trees grow, workers become skilled through repetitive work. The power of labor lies in the persistence brought by diligence," adding, "The difficult daily life during COVID-19 was sustained by the diligence of delivery and transportation workers who traveled the streets from dawn, as well as care and social service workers. The strength of K-quarantine, which was recognized as a global model, was also thanks to labor that devotedly handled quarantine and medical care alongside an excellent quarantine and medical system."

President Moon said, "Carpenters must trim wood neatly, and tailors must cut fabric according to measurements. The power of labor lies in balance without bias. It is the destiny of workers to seek to balance life against superior forces through solidarity and cooperation," and added, "Through the long efforts of workers, the minimum wage has been raised, irregular workers have been converted to regular positions, and the 52-hour workweek system has been established. Our society is overcoming polarization."

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