Chairman Kim Kimoon Meets Minister Kim Younghoon... Requests Minimizing Negative Impact on Businesses

Minister Kim's First Visit to an Economic Organization
Proposals on the 52-Hour Workweek and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act

The Korea Federation of SMEs announced on the 24th that it held an introductory meeting with Kim Younghoon, the newly appointed Minister of Employment and Labor, at its headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, where they discussed employment and labor issues facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

On the 24th, Kim Kimoon, chairman, and Kim Younghoon, the newly appointed Minister of Labor, met and greeted each other at the Small and Medium Business Administration building in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Small and Medium Business Administration

On this day, Minister Kim Younghoon visited the Federation as his first official visit to an economic organization since taking office. The meeting was also attended by Lee Junghan, Director General for Employment Policy at the Ministry of Employment and Labor; Choi Hyunseok, spokesperson; Lee Jaekwang, vice chairman of the Federation; Oh Kiwoong, standing vice chairman; Lee Oseon, chairman of the Busan Clean Surface Treatment Cooperative; Song Yukyung, chairman of the Korea Supermarket Cooperative Federation; and Kwak Inhak, chairman of the Korea Metal Panel Industry Cooperative.

At the meeting, Kim Kimoon, chairman of the Federation, proposed the easing of the three major labor regulations affecting SMEs: the 52-hour workweek system, the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, and the minimum wage. He also requested that, regarding current topics such as the 4.5-day workweek, amendments to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union Act, and continued employment of older workers, the government listen fully to the opinions of SMEs and pursue policies that minimize negative side effects.

Chairman Kim expressed his gratitude to Minister Kim Younghoon for choosing the Federation as his first economic organization visit after taking office, stating, "In labor policy, it is most important for labor and management to achieve a win-win outcome." He added, "I look forward to an upcoming policy discussion where we can engage in in-depth dialogue with the SME sector."

Minister Kim stated, "There may be concerns that pro-labor policies are anti-business, but I will play the necessary role to bring about a paradigm shift where being pro-labor also means being pro-business, and vice versa. Although I am the Minister of Employment and Labor, I will work with the mindset of the Minister of SMEs and Startups." He continued, "I hope that we can frequently meet and communicate to foster a society where conditions for SMEs improve and SME workers are respected. I also ask the Federation to take the lead in creating good and safe workplaces."

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