Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the importance of considering workers' acceptance when adopting labor market flexibility, expressing his objection to unilateral sacrifices by laborers during workplace policy adjustments.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee made these remarks at a debate session with the Economic, Social and Labor Council, which includes labor groups and government officials. During the session at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee highlighted the need to create a fair environment for employment flexibility. "We need to create conditions in which workers can accept the kind of employment flexibility that companies seek. It cannot be forced, as that would be unfair," he stated.
He further stressed the necessity of reinforcing the social safety net to support workers amidst a rapidly changing job market. Lee called on companies benefiting from increased labor flexibility to take on a greater share of the associated burdens. "It is not right to proceed in a way that demands unilateral sacrifice from workers. We need to create a rational environment that everyone can accept," he added, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that workers do not feel insecure.
Lee advocated for a virtuous cycle of job growth by balancing labor flexibility with a strengthened social safety net. He highlighted the role of dialogue in rebuilding trust between labor and management. "It would be desirable for the labor side to make concessions on labor flexibility while strengthening the social safety net to compensate for it, with the costs borne by companies that benefit from increased labor flexibility," Lee remarked. He urged that instead of unilateral losses, a balanced social compromise must be achieved.
President Lee also called on the council to promote social dialogue to help bridge the gap between management looking to reduce labor costs and workers concerned about job security. "We need to pour a lot of energy into restoring trust (between labor and management)," he noted, emphasizing the importance of serious conversations as the first step.
Before the debate session, the council adopted a joint declaration focused on addressing social polarization and achieving sustainable growth.