Business Community "Rigid Labor Market Must Change" Ruling Party "Labor Reform, The Path for the People"

by Choi Daeyul

Published 18 Apr.2023 16:34(KST)

The Korea Employers Federation held a policy meeting on the 18th at the Federation Hall, inviting Kim Gi-hyeon, leader of the People Power Party.

In his greeting, Son Kyung-sik, chairman of the Federation, said, "The dual structure problem of the labor market caused by strong unions in large corporations, wage systems, and employment rigidity is serious," adding, "It is fortunate that the government has made labor reform its most important national agenda."

Leader Kim Gi-hyeon said, "Labor market reform is a task that must be done but is really difficult to solve," and added, "Labor market reform is not for companies or workers, but solely for the people, and we will strive to see it through to the end."

From the front left in the photo: Lee Sung-soo, President of Hanwha; Park Seung-hee, President of Samsung Electronics; Kang Min-guk, Member of the People Power Party; Sohn Kyung-shik, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation; Kim Ki-hyun, Leader of the People Power Party; Lim E-ja, Member of the People Power Party; Kang Guk-chang, Chairman of Incheon Korea Employers Federation; Choi Byung-oh, Chairman of Fashion Group Hyungji; (from the back left) Jung Sang-bin, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Company; Woo Ki-hong, President of Korean Air; Choi Won-hyuk, President of LX Pantos; Lee Hyung-hee, Chairman of SK Supex Council; Moon Hong-sung, President of Doosan; Lee Jang-han, Chairman of Chong Kun Dang; Cho Kyu-ok, Chairman of Jeonbang; Lee Dong-geun, Senior Vice Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation, are posing for a commemorative photo after a meeting on the 18th.

At the meeting, discussions were held on the overall rigid labor market in Korea, including wage and work systems. Concerns were also raised about the labor union law amendment bill led by the opposition party. Chairman Son said, "If the labor union law amendment passes, it will cause great harm not only to companies but also to all workers and the public, so legislative suspension is necessary," adding, "It will effectively place all responsibility on the prime contractors and large corporations, denying the foundation of our legal system and resulting in the protection of joint illegal acts."

Leader Kim said, "The concrete actions to eliminate various illegal cases of strong and privileged unions are bold reforms that no previous government has attempted," and added, "Our party is firmly convinced that the amendment must never be passed."

Lee Dong-geun, vice chairman of the Federation, delivered a policy proposal to Leader Kim and other ruling party leaders. The proposal included the need for legislation to expand labor hour flexibility, ease dispatch and subcontracting regulations, halt the labor union law amendment, prohibit workplace occupation, improve the unfair labor practice system, clarify the Serious Accident Punishment Act, and rationalize punishment levels.

Attending the meeting were Chairman Son, Kwon Oh-gap, chairman of HD Hyundai, Park Seung-hee, president of Samsung Electronics, Lee Jang-han, chairman of Chong Kun Dang, Lee Hyung-hee, chairman of the SK Supex Council, and Jung Sang-bin, vice president of Hyundai Motor Company. From the ruling party side, attendees included Leader Kim, Park Dae-chul, chairman of the Policy Committee, Im I-ja, secretary of the Environment and Labor Committee, and Kang Min-guk, chief spokesperson.