Kwon Gisub, Chair of the Economic and Social Council, "Retirement Age Discussion to Conclude in April... Expecting KCTU's Return"

The Economic, Social and Labor Council, a social dialogue body directly under the President, reaffirmed its plan to reach a conclusion on the retirement age system by April. This plan had been announced through various channels before, but the timeline has now been firmly set. The participation of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, which declared a suspension of dialogue last December, will be decided next month, and even if they do not participate, the Council intends to announce the discussion results.

Kwon Ki-seop, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council. Photo by Yonhap News

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On the 20th, Kwon Ki-seop, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council, held a press conference at the Council’s main conference room in Jongno-gu, Seoul, stating, "The Federation of Korean Trade Unions said they would give a final decision on participation by March," and added, "We have agreed to hold a joint labor-management forum in late March, which we see as a positive sign." The Federation had participated as labor representatives in the Council but declared non-participation after the emergency martial law incident on December 3 last year and has not returned since.

Chairman Kwon said, "If the Federation of Korean Trade Unions organizes their position and returns in March, we requested that the announcement be made by April," adding, "If they do not rejoin the social dialogue, we think it will be necessary to summarize and announce the discussions led mainly by the public interest members."

Regarding the recent resignation of two public interest members from the Council’s Committee on Continuous Employment in Response to Demographic Changes, representing labor and management, he said, "We have sought understanding from labor and management, so I do not think it will cause any particular problems." He also explained, "Our main goal is to lead an agreement with the current public interest members and labor and management. If no agreement is reached, there is general consensus that the public interest members should compile recommendations or summarize the discussions so far."

On the possibility that the Federation of Korean Trade Unions may not participate even after March, Chairman Kwon said, "We will try to persuade them sufficiently." He explained, "There is a three-year gap between the retirement age and the National Pension eligibility age. If catching up is delayed further, it could have a greater impact on the labor market." He also emphasized, "If there is no narrowing of opinions, quickly wrapping up is also an option."

Regarding recent discussions in opposition parties about establishing a special parliamentary committee on retirement age extension, and questions about whether the Council might be bypassed in this process, he responded, "We are fully aware of the discussions within the Council, so it is somewhat puzzling that the Democratic Party is trying to form a special committee." He added, "Regardless of the National Assembly’s actions, I believe the Council must finalize this and will see it through to the end."

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