By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Labor Minister Yim Tae-hee has been keen to show a different side of Korea ― more noticed for labor-management conflicts internationally ― during his visit to Washington D.C.
At a meeting with the US-Korea Business Council held Thursday morning, KST, he stressed that a new wave has swept the labor movement.
``Remarkable progress has been made in the labor-management relations in terms of systems and practices.
``Following a grand compromise between labor, management, the government and social activists in February last year, we are now witnessing cases of labor taking the lead in bringing about positive changes in the movement. The government has amended relevant laws to address the issues of company payment to full-time union officials and multiple unions which had been delayed for 13 years. The government will ensure clarity and transparency to prevent any confusion that might arise,'' he said.
The minister stressed that the administration is pushing policies to enhance efficiency in the labor market and promote employment. He also introduced the ministry's recent decision to revise its name to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, stressing job creation.
``For a very long time, we have seen more confrontation rather than conversation. Instead of struggling toward equal sharing of the fruits, workers should focus more on sharing their jobs and creating more opportunities for fellow workers. Management should also switch from simple fiscal management to personnel and labor management. They both have responsibilities to each other and to society,'' he said.
In addition, Yim visited the White House and the U.S. Labor Department with his fellow ministers to talk about employment policies. He will also visit Bloomberg for an interview and meet Korean residents before returning home, Saturday.