[Asia Economy Reporter Su-yeon Woo] On the 3rd, Sohn Kyung-shik, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation, met with Kim Tae-nyeon, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, at the National Assembly to request supplementary legislation on the 52-hour workweek system to overcome the COVID-19 crisis, various tax reforms, and institutional improvements for the advancement of labor-management relations.
On this day, Chairman Sohn said, "In the process of overcoming the COVID-19 crisis, it is necessary to reform laws and systems to change the structure of our economy," and urged, "Please legislate the flexible and adaptable work systems as supplementary measures to the 52-hour workweek system, which could not be handled in the previous National Assembly."
Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (right in the photo), and Sohn Kyung-shik, chairman of the Korea Employers Federation, are shaking hands at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yonhap News
Regarding labor-management issues, he also emphasized the advancement of labor-management relations, stating, "We need to improve systems that companies find painful and that are not seen in advanced countries, such as the prohibition of replacement labor during labor disputes, punishment of employers for unfair labor practices, and punishment of those involved in industrial actions." He also mentioned tax reforms, including corporate tax cuts, as measures to revitalize companies.
On this day, Chairman Sohn expressed the difficulties faced by domestic companies hit hard by the all-around economic downturn due to COVID-19. He said, "Exports and domestic sales of many companies are sharply declining," and added, "We are trying to cope by maintaining employment as much as possible, but difficulties are expected to intensify due to inventory, growing deficits, and liquidity crises."
In response, Floor Leader Kim acknowledged the difficult situation of businesspeople caused by COVID-19, saying, "The Democratic Party also recognizes the seriousness of the current economic situation and is preparing and implementing measures in close cooperation with the government."
He added, "As the ruling party, we will never ignore the hardships of businesspeople in crisis," and said, "The 21st National Assembly will convene on the scheduled date and immediately start discussions to overcome the economy, ensuring a working National Assembly that protects corporate jobs."
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