Prime Minister Jeong: "Reflecting on Large Fires... 'Cost Distancing' in Safety Cannot Be Allowed"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is delivering opening remarks at the 'Icheon Fire Related Ministers Meeting' held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 30th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 1st regarding the fire accident at the Icheon logistics warehouse construction site, "While 'social distancing' is required for quarantine, 'cost distancing' in safety issues directly related to life cannot be tolerated."

On Labor Day, the Prime Minister wrote on Facebook, "I deeply reflect on the repeated large fires at construction sites," expressing this view.

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "We must first change the mindset that disregards safety costs as sunk costs," adding, "I believe our national power and economy have already reached a level where safety costs can be sufficiently internalized."

He continued, "We will activate an all-government task force (TF) to prepare unprecedented safety measures."

Prime Minister Chung said, "I recently saw an article that over 200 people applied for a single part-time caf? job," and added, "The impact of COVID-19 on jobs directly connected to our people's daily lives is very large and truly worrisome."

He further stated, "Protecting jobs is a key to overcoming the economic crisis," and said, "We will do our best to prevent large-scale unemployment and maintain maximum employment."

Prime Minister Chung added, "The government's efforts alone may not be enough," and said, "The only way to overcome this unprecedented crisis is solidarity and cooperation among labor, management, and the government."

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