Yoon, Luncheon with Labor and Welfare Field Workers... "Partners in Welfare for the Vulnerable and Labor Reform" (Comprehensive)

President Yoon and First Lady Host Over 110 Guests at Blue House Reception Hall
"Become Partners in Welfare for the Vulnerable and Labor Reform"

Aiming for Welfare of the Vulnerable, Not Populism
Special Consideration for Labor Vulnerable with Weak Negotiation Power

President Yoon Suk-yeol urged welfare and labor field workers on the 23rd, saying, "The beginning and end of policies are always the field. I hope you become partners in welfare for the vulnerable and labor reform so that the people can feel the effects."

At a luncheon held on the afternoon of the 23rd at the Blue House State Guest House with invited welfare and labor field workers, President Yoon emphasized, "No matter how good a policy is, if it is not properly delivered to those in need in the field, it cannot be called a good policy."

The luncheon was attended by over 110 workers from 15 occupations in the welfare and labor sectors, including workers from disability welfare centers and local children's centers that President Yoon personally visited, as well as care workers, daycare center staff, disability activity supporters, community social security councils, social welfare public officials, social welfare center workers, employment center staff, labor inspectors, and industrial safety inspectors. Mrs. Kim Geon-hee, the wife of President Yoon, also attended.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon also encouraged field workers, saying, "I remember visiting various welfare facilities for children, the elderly, and the disabled after my inauguration to listen to voices from the field," and added, "The people closest to the citizens whom they can rely on are those in the field."

He continued, "I deeply appreciate those who are working devotedly despite difficult circumstances," and said, "We will strive to ensure fair and appropriate compensation and treatment for your hard work. Also, please convey not only the difficulties you feel in the field but also policy suggestions without reservation."

He reiterated through the spirit of freedom and solidarity that the government aims for welfare for the vulnerable, not populist political welfare. The point is that if some enjoy freedom while the vulnerable do not have opportunities for self-realization, only some are free, and in such a society, solidarity is impossible, so welfare for the vulnerable is important.

President Yoon stated, "Based on the spirit of freedom and solidarity, providing stronger support to those in greater difficulty is the core of true welfare for the vulnerable," and mentioned, "Rather than indiscriminate cash welfare, when we move toward 'service welfare' that provides high-quality social services and achieves a virtuous cycle of welfare and employment, we can realize customized welfare for truly socially vulnerable people."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding labor policy, he said, "The dual structure of the labor market is extremely severe, ranking among the worst in the world. Therefore, there are many labor vulnerable people even within this labor market," and promised, "We will eradicate illegal acts and violence in the labor field and protect labor vulnerable people by establishing a fair and just compensation system for workers."

Regarding the reform plan for the working hours system, he emphasized, "While promoting flexible working hours policies, we will ensure that workers receive fair compensation for the work done and firmly protect workers' health rights and rest rights."

In particular, he pledged, "'Is it really feasible for labor vulnerable people, who are said to have weak bargaining power in the policy process, to have unlimited choices?' Therefore, we plan to implement measures that specially consider the exercise of choice and bargaining power for such labor vulnerable people."

A scene was also captured of Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jeong-sik taking notes while listening to President Yoon's remarks. Minister Lee had previously sparked controversy by saying that the MZ generation (born early 1980s to early 2000s) speaks up even to the chairman, in relation to the legislative notice of the working hours system reform plan, which includes up to 69 hours of work per week, announced on the 6th.

Following the luncheon, there was a time to listen to the dispatch process of child abuse dedicated public officials working 24-hour shifts to respond to child abuse and cases of child protection. President Yoon said, "Children who cannot even speak about abuse are beings we must protect with infinite care," and urged, "Please work hard so that precious children can grow up safely and healthily."

In addition, there were case presentations from ▲ medical social workers striving to prevent the vicious cycle where illness leads to poverty, ▲ staff in charge of customized care services supporting the safe and healthy lives of elderly people in need of care, ▲ labor inspectors working to eradicate illegal and unfair acts and protect labor vulnerable people, and ▲ employment support officers at employment centers helping job seekers find jobs.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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