Minister Kim Jungkwan Urges FKTU to "Call a Truce on Labor Disputes Amid Middle East Crisis"

Kim Junggwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (left), is taking a commemorative photo with Kim Dongmyeong, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, before a meeting on the 30th at the Federation of Korean Trade Unions conference room in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

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Kim Jungkwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, met with the leadership of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) and proposed strengthening labor-management cooperation to respond to the crisis originating from the Middle East. It is the first time in about 20 years since a Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy has held a direct meeting with the chairman of the FKTU, the last being in 2006.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on March 30, Minister Kim met with Kim Dongmyung, Chairman of the FKTU, at the Federation’s main conference room in Seoul, and discussed measures to address the industrial and economic crisis stemming from the worsening situation in the Middle East.

During the meeting, Minister Kim stated, “As the war in the Middle East drags on, our economy and overall industry are facing a significant crisis,” and suggested, “To overcome this extraordinary period, we should focus the capabilities of labor and management on crisis response, and temporarily call a truce on unnecessary conflicts in the workplace.” He also requested, “The labor sector should participate in energy-saving efforts to help stabilize the energy supply.”

Regarding industrial structural transformation, he mentioned the AI-based manufacturing innovation strategy ‘M.AX,’ seeking cooperation from the labor sector. Minister Kim emphasized, “Boosting productivity in manufacturing through industrial AI innovation and proactively responding to rapid industrial shifts is ultimately the way to protect workers’ jobs.”

He further explained, “The key to creating stable jobs is expanding regional investment by companies,” adding, “The government plans to induce such investment in local areas by providing bold incentives.” He also proposed, “Let’s continue social dialogue on expanding both labor flexibility and security to create quality jobs.”

In response, the FKTU stressed the need to expand support and maintain employment in industries undergoing transition, such as petrochemicals and steel. The Federation also reportedly conveyed concerns regarding possible job losses due to increased adoption of AI.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to use this meeting as an opportunity to regularize communication with labor organizations. A ministry official stated, “We have established a communication system with groups such as the FKTU and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions to restore trust and strengthen cooperation between labor and management,” and added, “We will continue consultations on key issues such as regional investment and job creation.”

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