Kim Moon-soo: "Yellow Envelope Act Conflicts with Constitution and Civil Law... No Global Legislative Precedent"

Nomination of Kim Moon-su as Minister of Employment and Labor
Opposition-led Yellow Envelope Act requires "sufficient discussion"
"Tripartite theory of labor-management-government... Responsibility for labor reform"

Kim Moon-soo, nominee for Minister of Employment and Labor, is expressing his thoughts on the nomination during a personnel briefing held on the morning of the 31st at the briefing room of the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim Moon-soo, the nominee for Minister of Employment and Labor, clearly expressed his opposition on the 31st to the "Amendment to the Labor Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act (Yellow Envelope Act)" passed by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee led by the Democratic Party of Korea, stating that "there are points that conflict with the current Constitution and Civil Code."

On the same day, after the personnel announcement briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office, Kim told reporters, "The Yellow Envelope Act was previously requested for reconsideration by the President," and pointed out, "There have already been significant issues raised by academia and others, and there are no such legislative cases globally."

He added, "It would be desirable if the National Assembly conducts more thorough discussions and if the stakeholders go through sufficient discussions, debates, and consensus-building processes before legislating."

Kim stated, "Protection for the vulnerable groups that the Yellow Envelope Act intends to safeguard, such as subcontracted workers, is necessary," but also said, "Because the side effects that come from unilateral legislation could be greater than the current side effects, I would appreciate it if the National Assembly handles this well."

Kim said he would strive to complete the labor reforms promoted by the Yoon Seok-yeol administration.

He said, "I am a proponent of the tripartite theory of labor, management, and government," adding, "For workers to do well, companies must do well, and for companies to do well, the country must also do well."

He continued, "Although there are conflicting interests among labor, management, and government, the fundamental goal is the same," emphasizing, "Labor reform is not about some people suffering losses but about everyone living well and happily. I am responsible for carrying out labor reform."

Kim explained, "The Ministry of Employment and Labor must rightfully pay attention to and make efforts for many despairing people such as platform workers, freelancers, workers at businesses with fewer than five employees, the unemployed, and young unemployed people, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility."

Kim said, "As much as I am lacking, I will always listen to the voices of labor groups including the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, employer organizations including the Korea Employers Federation, the National Assembly, labor-related academia, and the media," adding, "I will visit those in lower positions and more difficult circumstances more frequently and listen carefully to the vivid voices from the field."

In particular, he added, "I will also engage in dialogue with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and meet with them anytime if they request."

Regarding the minimum wage, he said, "It should not be raised too rapidly, but it should not be too low either," noting, "Currently, South Korea's minimum wage level is higher than Tokyo's but lower than New York's in the United States. It is at a fairly high level."

He said, "It would be good if the minimum wage acts as a useful means to reduce polarization, but if it is raised too much, restaurants and convenience stores might all switch to unmanned operations," adding, "This is a very difficult issue, so rather than rushing, a cautious social dialogue and consensus process is necessary."

On the issue of continued employment and retirement age extension for the elderly, Kim said, "It is a very sensitive and hot issue," and added, "In South Korea, because of the seniority-based wage system where seniority increases every year, cases where retirement age can simply be extended are very rare."

He also pointed out, "(In South Korea) pensions are not properly established, so continued employment is currently happening. The elderly are showing the world's highest employment rate," and warned, "If retirement age is simply extended, there may be no companies for younger people to enter."

Kim emphasized, "Because it is a complex issue, we need to find answers while understanding the situation on the ground," and added, "We also need to listen to the voices of silent, small-scale unorganized workers and young people. A sufficient process of discussion, understanding, and consensus is necessary."

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