By Kim Rahn
President Moon Jae-in vowed to recognize the labor sector as an important partner in state affairs, requesting its support for his economic and labor policies, Tuesday.
He shared his view on various issues with leaders of unions over a dinner at Cheong Wa Dae; but could only listen to opinions from half of the labor sector, because officials from one of the nation’s two umbrella unions boycotted the meeting.
Moon said former administrations had pushed ahead with labor policies unilaterally for the last decade without recognizing workers as a partner in carrying out state affairs, adding economic polarization and inequality increased during those times.
“Before setting and confirming the new government’s labor policy, I believe it is a priority to restore the partnership with the labor sector,” he said.
Moon called on the unions to join his efforts to correct former administrations’ labor policies which he views did not respect workers.
Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) President Kim Ju-young recognized Moon’s efforts to improve conditions for various types of workers.
He also renewed his request for the nation to hold an eight-way discussion involving the two umbrella unions, two employers’ groups, labor and finance ministries, the tripartite commission and the President.
Kim called for the government and the National Assembly’s joint efforts to reduce employees’ work hours, and Moon responded that the issue was related to achieving a work-life balance and boosting the nation’s low birthrate, according to presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun.
Cheong Wa Dae initially invited officials from the FKTU and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) as well as some of their affiliated unions and other independent ones.
But the KCTU decided not to take part in the meeting earlier in the day, saying Cheong Wa Dae did not accept its demand to invite all affiliated unions of the organization to the dinner but contacted only some of them selectively without its consent.
The meeting followed Moon’s gathering with top conglomerate leaders in July.