Lee Meets Two Major Union Leaders: "Megazone Labor Issues Must Be Resolved Through Social Dialogue"

Welcomes Discussions on the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' Return to Social Dialogue
Agrees on the Need to Reach a Decision on Retirement Age Extension Legislation Through Parliamentary Deliberation Within the Year

On September 3, President Lee Jaemyung met with the heads of the two major labor federations, expressing his support for the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' consideration of returning to the social dialogue table. He requested that both national labor federations participate in a social dialogue to address key labor issues, including the transition to artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace and widening inequality.

Yonhap News Agency

The parties agreed to seek solutions to potential labor issues that may arise during the implementation of the megaprojects through social dialogue involving both labor and management. They also concurred on the need to reach a result regarding the extension of the retirement age by the end of the year, following deliberations in the National Assembly.

Kang Yujeong, Chief Presidential Spokesperson, stated in a written briefing that on this day, President Lee invited Kim Dongmyung, President of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, and Yang Kyungsoo, President of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, for a tea meeting to discuss recent labor issues, including the megaprojects, and the pursuit of social dialogue.

At the meeting, President Lee emphasized the national importance of the megaprojects. He reiterated that the successful execution of these projects is essential for strengthening national competitiveness and securing a better future for the coming generations. In response, the heads of both labor federations suggested that close communication and active participation from the labor sector are critical to ensure the success of the megaprojects.

In particular, they expressed the view that labor-related issues currently being discussed in connection with the proposed Megaspecial Zone Act should be resolved through social dialogue between labor and management. The intention is to ensure that controversies over working conditions, which may arise during the development of megaspecial zones supported by large-scale investments and regulatory exceptions, are resolved through consultation between labor and management rather than unilateral legislation or policy decisions.

The issue of extending the retirement age was also discussed. President Lee and the heads of both labor federations shared the view that, since a variety of contentious points have already been discussed over the past year in the Special Committee on Retirement Age Extension in the National Assembly, it is necessary to reach a conclusion on the bill through parliamentary deliberations that reflect these diverse interests by the end of the year.

President Lee especially welcomed the fact that discussions about returning to social dialogue have begun within the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. He once again requested that, since significant national challenges remain—including the transition to AI in the workplace and resolving the so-called K-shaped polarization—all key stakeholders, including both major labor federations, participate in a "genuine and complete social dialogue" to find solutions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.