South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, in his Labor Day address at Cheong Wa Dae, promised a steadfast dedication to ensuring workplace safety. He emphasized the importance of protecting workers, stating it as a fundamental responsibility of both the nation and businesses. President Lee rejected the idea that worker welfare and business growth are at odds, emphasizing their interdependence.
Amid concerns about AI impacting jobs, President Lee reassured the public of the government’s prioritization of people over productivity. He highlighted the need to move away from the belief that productivity should come at the expense of workers’ well-being. President Lee acknowledged workers as the backbone of the economy, essential for driving growth and sustaining the nation’s progress.
This year’s Labor Day event at Cheong Wa Dae marked a significant occasion, bringing together around 130 participants from various sectors, including labor, management, and government representatives. Notably, two major labor unions with differing political stances, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, participated in the event for the first time. South Korea recently reinstated Labor Day as a national holiday, recognizing the importance of honoring workers’ contributions.
In commemoration of Labor Day, events across South Korea underscored the value of work in enhancing quality of life and fostering economic development.
