[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Kim Dong-myeong, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), reiterated the need to "quickly implement through the Economic, Social and Labor Council (ESLC)" the tripartite agreement to overcome the COVID-19 crisis. In response, Moon Sung-hyun, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council, said, "Hearing Chairman Kim Dong-myeong's remarks, I have nothing more to add."
On the 15th, at the Korea Employers Federation (KEF) 50th anniversary event held at the Shilla Hotel in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, Chairman Kim Dong-myeong emphasized the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation in his congratulatory speech, stating, "This is a time to accelerate change while minimizing immediate sacrifices."
To this end, he urged, "Let's no longer prioritize factional logic and vested interests, but move toward cooperation and coexistence," and emphasized, "We must continue the spirit of the tentative tripartite agreement and quickly implement and review it centered on the ESLC."
Earlier, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) proposed a 'one-point' social dialogue in May to overcome the COVID-19 crisis, and the FKTU agreed, resulting in a tentative tripartite dialogue agreement to overcome the COVID-19 crisis. However, due to friction between KCTU Chairman Kim Myung-hwan, who sought to push the agreement forward, and opposing internal factions, the KCTU did not participate in the signing ceremony. The KCTU will hold a delegate meeting on the 20th to ratify the tripartite agreement. Chairman Kim Myung-hwan has stated that if the vote is rejected, he and the entire leadership will resign.
Following this, Chairman Moon, who gave a congratulatory speech, expressed strong support for Chairman Kim Dong-myeong's proposal. He said, "We have all gathered here to celebrate the 50th anniversary of KEF, but at the core of our minds is the concern about how to overcome the shock of COVID-19," adding, "We all need to change. We must keep in mind the differences between those who work and those who live."
He mentioned that the KCTU's decision is delayed and said, "What is clear is that the era of confrontation is passing, and we are at a historic turning point toward a labor-management relationship of solidarity and cooperation," emphasizing, "With this mindset, we can gather sufficient capacity to overcome COVID-19."
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