KEF Vice Chairman Advocates for Labor Market Flexibility at ILO Conference

The Korea Employers Federation announced on June 13 that Executive Vice Chairman Lee, representing the Korean business community, made a speech at the 111th International Labour Organization (ILO) Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland on June 12 (local time).

Vice Chairman Lee stated, “Although the pandemic has ended, we are facing complex crises such as geopolitical conflicts, rising food and energy prices, and climate change before we fully recover from the shock. Countries around the world are struggling with slowed economic growth and employment issues.”

He noted that “the global number of unemployed has reached 270 million, and one in five young people are not participating in employment, jobs, or training. The way we work has been accelerating due to the pandemic, and the industrial structure is rapidly changing due to technological advancements like AI and robotics. This is a challenge and opportunity for employers, workers, and the government.”

Vice Chairman Lee mentioned the labor market crisis, stating “Employers, workers, and the government must let go of the vested rights they used to have within the old system and build a virtuous cycle of sustainable growth and job creation for future generations. It’s an urgent and essential task to make the labor market more flexible by improving rigid regulations that are hindering growth and innovation.”

Regarding the labor situation in Korea, he said, “Korea has more workdays lost due to strikes than its competitors, and labor-related laws and systems are behind the global standard. The labor oppression by the government claimed by the Korean labor community is not true, and the social atmosphere is growing in understanding that they cannot sympathize with the labor community’s aggressive strikes and illegal activities. On the contrary, the Korean government is establishing a rule of law between labor and management based on law and principles.”

Before his speech, Vice Chairman Lee met with Roberto Suárez Santos, the Secretary-General of the International Organization of Employers (IOE), and asked for IOE’s support, presenting the stance of the Korean business community on labor issues.

Vice Chairman Lee said, “The Korean labor community is internationalizing domestic issues. The Korea Employers Federation and IOE need to cooperate and actively respond to prevent damage to Korea’s national image and the competitiveness of its companies.”