Presidential contenders differ over labor-related issues

Major presidential hopefuls expressed differing opinions on key labor issues, setting the stage for a heated, politically charged discussion about the deep-rooted influence of labor unions, which many call a major impediment to Korean industry's competitive edge, market watchers said Monday.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea’s Lee Jae-myung called for policies and legislative efforts to bolster labor power, a stance staunchly opposed by the ruling People Power Party’s Kim Moon-soo.

Most contentious was the drawn-out enactment of the "yellow envelope" bill. The much-disputed bill would restrict employers from pursuing damage claims against unions for losses from workers' strikes.

It also allows subcontracted workers to engage in labor and working condition talks directly with parent firms, granting them greater negotiating power for claims of on-site worker accidents.

The main opposition-controlled National Assembly passed the bill only for it to be vetoed twice by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Lee said the bill should be enacted to align with Supreme Court precedents and the International Labour Organization's standards.

“The bill guarantees workers’ rights,” he said during the Sunday presidential debate hosted by the National Election Commission. “It meets international standards, and therefore should no longer be abused and politicized during an election cycle.”

These responses followed Kim’s question on whether Lee would resume pushing for the previously vetoed bill.

“Will you seek to pass it again if you become president? The previous administration clearly worked against the passage, reflecting concerns of the business community that Korea would be plagued by ceaseless, frivolous labor disputes,” he said.

Kim claimed that the bill fails to align with Korea's civil and constitutional laws. “The push for the bill must be revisited. Otherwise, Korea will fall victim to labor unpredictability with unnecessarily soaring business costs.”

Equally controversial is the “white collar exemption,” whereby highly paid talents in the semiconductor industry will be legally allowed to work longer than the mandated 52 hours in a standard workweek.

The chipmaking industry says flexibility is needed to help firms meet rapid production schedules in a fast-paced, time-sensitive global market.

However, labor unions have argued that legally recognizing longer hours will lead to greater worker health concerns, including fatigue, burnout and long-term medical conditions.

They also say the discretion will create a loophole whereby unpaid, excessive overtime will become the new normal.

The main opposition argues against the exemption, reflecting the stance of labor groups — their longtime support base.

Lee dismissed the need to grant the exemption.

“The proposed system is worse if the conditions stipulate the total working hours remain flat with overtime pay guaranteed,” he said. “Industrial competitiveness and workers’ health rights are not competing values. They must come in balance.”

Meanwhile, Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok said Lee Jae-myung lacks hard plans to advance his goals.

“Lee Jae-myung talks only about what his plans are, not how he will do it,” Lee Jun-seok said. “This is a dangerous type, akin to a cult leader who thrives in difficult times.”