Kim Boo-kyum Urges KCTU to Join ESLC: "Consensus Needed Through Social Dialogue"

[Asia Economy, reporter Oh Jooyeon] On June 29, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum met with the leadership of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and requested their participation in the Economic, Social and Labor Council (ESLC), a presidential advisory body for social dialogue.

During a meeting with KCTU leaders at the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Prime Minister Kim stated, "In order to resolve various labor issues, consensus through social dialogue is necessary," and added, "Since there is an existing framework for social dialogue in operation, I urge the KCTU to make a decision to participate in this framework in a broad sense."

The KCTU reportedly responded that it would not engage in mere formal meetings. Currently, the KCTU is not participating in the ESLC, maintaining its stance of pursuing its demands through separate negotiations with the government, independent of the ESLC.

Prime Minister Kim also addressed the nationwide workers' rally planned by the KCTU for July 13, stating, "With the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the Seoul metropolitan area, more meticulous quarantine management is needed than ever," and urged, "As there is a significant risk of a major COVID-19 outbreak, please actively cooperate with the government's quarantine policies."

At the meeting, the KCTU proposed a comprehensive revision of labor laws to address polarization and inequality, called for the establishment of fundamental measures to prevent serious industrial accidents, and recommended restrictions on the use of non-regular workers. The union also emphasized the need to strengthen industry-level bargaining and to apply substitute holidays to workplaces with fewer than five employees.

Attending the meeting from the KCTU were Chairman Yang Kyungsoo, Senior Vice Chairman Yoon Taekgeun, and Secretary General Jeon Jongdeok. Representing the government were Minister of Employment and Labor An Kyungduk and Chief Presidential Secretary for the Prime Minister's Office Oh Youngsik.

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