South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, in his Labour Day address at Cheong Wa Dae, pledged resolute dedication to ensuring workplace safety, emphasizing the importance of protecting workers. He rejected the idea that worker welfare and business growth are at odds, emphasizing their interdependence. President Lee highlighted the need to move away from outdated beliefs that prioritize business over worker well-being for sustainable growth.
Amid concerns about AI’s impact on jobs, President Lee reassured the public of the government’s focus on prioritizing people over productivity. He emphasized that growth should not come at the cost of workers’ well-being and underscored the crucial role of workers in driving economic progress. The event at Cheong Wa Dae marked the first time a Labour Day celebration was held there, bringing together various stakeholders to commemorate the occasion.
The event witnessed the participation of around 130 individuals, including representatives from labor, management, and government, as well as workers from different sectors. 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. South Korea recently reinstated the name “Labour Day” for May 1, recognizing its significance and granting it national holiday status.
Various events across the country celebrated Labour Day, emphasizing the value of work in enhancing quality of life and driving economic development. President Lee’s address reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding workers and promoting a harmonious relationship between labor and business for a prosperous future.
