Vice Minister Gi Jae: "It's Time to Properly Highlight the Social Value of Essential Workers"

Government-wide Task Force TF Dance범... Comprehensive Measures Preparation

Kim Yong-beom, Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance, is delivering opening remarks at the "Government-wide Essential Workers Task Force Launch Meeting" held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 6th.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Kim Yong-beom, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, said on the 6th, "The government will launch an 'Intergovernmental Task Force (TF)' to develop comprehensive measures so that essential workers can work with pride and dignity," adding, "It is now time to properly highlight the social value of essential workers for the sustainability of our society."

At the 'Essential Workers TF Launch Meeting' held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Vice Minister Kim stated, "We will create a society where essential workers work in hygienic, safe, and pleasant working environments and receive fair treatment."

Vice Minister Kim mentioned, "The TF activities must start with clearly defining the concept and scope of essential workers," and added, "In addition to healthcare and care workers, delivery drivers, and sanitation workers, there may be essential workers in various fields such as manufacturing, logistics, construction, and telecommunications."

He continued, "Please pay special attention in the general and each working group to ensure that no essential worker who is truly necessary is excluded from support."

Vice Minister Kim also emphasized, "Detailed measures for essential workers must be based on a thorough survey of working conditions and difficulties," and "Through this, realistic measures that essential workers, as policy beneficiaries, can feel should be fully included in the improvement plans."

Furthermore, he said, "For the TF to achieve its intended results, collaboration between related ministries and between the central government and local governments is very important," and urged, "Please actively collaborate beyond individual positions so that a comprehensive support plan at the intergovernmental level can be prepared."

He added, "This TF should review not only short-term and easy tasks but also more fundamental and long-term institutional improvement tasks."

Vice Minister Kim concluded, "Advanced countries recognize labor essential to maintaining social functions not as a 'choice' but as a 'necessity' and are leading efforts to protect and support essential workers," and said, "I hope everyone will cooperate to accelerate the realization of a society where essential workers receive fair treatment, respect, and consideration, starting from today's meeting."

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