Prime Minister Kim Min-seok visited the Federation of Korean Trade Unions on the 22nd and noted that he is in the stage of contemplating whether to institutionalize the current level of retirement age extension within a framework of broader social consensus.
During the visit to the Federation of Korean Trade Unions in Yeouido, Seoul, the Prime Minister stated, "The results of the opinion polls show that understanding of retirement age extension is spreading even among relatively younger generations."
Regarding the yellow envelope law, a key issue for the labor community, he mentioned, "Basically, it is a matter to be decided by the National Assembly," but added, "I believe that a major framework of the party will be maintained."
The yellow envelope law aims to strengthen the primary responsibility of the primary contractor for subcontracted workers and expand the scope of strike actions, while also limiting companies' claims for damages against striking workers. It had passed the National Assembly twice but was discarded due to the exercise of the veto right by former President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Additionally, the Prime Minister remarked regarding the labor community, "Once the government's framework is established, we will be able to institutionalize various discussions and communications that we have envisioned for a long time."
In particular, he mentioned that regularized communication could occur through various channels such as party-government consultations and government-labor community discussions, saying, "Regardless of the ruling or opposition parties, if it helps the state and the people, I think we should quickly address it, even in the form of a mini policy task force."
He added, "As the President mentioned during today's Cabinet meeting, we place great importance on communication and speed," stating, "We believe that communication must be prompt for results to emerge, and we will do our best to make it meaningful."
Chairperson Kim Dong-myung of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions requested the Prime Minister to address the issues of retirement age extension, the amendments to the trade union law, and the institutionalization and diversification of channels for regularized communication.
Chairperson Kim stated, "The current Kim Min-seok is in a position to achieve greater things than the labor movements he could pursue by working in a factory," and urged, "Please recall the dreams he had as a 20-year-old when he entered the factory from your position as Prime Minister."
Following this, Prime Minister Kim, during a visit to the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, responded to Chairperson Yang Kyung-soo's call for 'intergovernmental negotiation' by saying, "I will make more efforts to engage in active dialogue with the labor community."
The Prime Minister expressed, "We must solve not only labor issues but also all social problems through broad social dialogue," and added, "I believe it is necessary for the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions to establish a dialogue and cooperation system that matches the new government and the new era, and I will do my best to make that framework established."
He also mentioned the urgent labor issue regarding the death of Mr. Kim Chung-hyun at the Taean thermal power plant, saying, "The consultative body related to the accident has not been quickly established due to issues regarding the participating entities, but I will strive to ensure that it progresses as soon as possible."