Following the party leadership, Lee also emphasizes mediation
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 5th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged parliamentary mediation regarding the Cargo Solidarity strike, which has been ongoing for 13 days, saying, "If dialogue between labor and government is difficult, it is time for the National Assembly to step in."
On the 6th, Lee stated on Facebook, "The Cargo Solidarity strike is at a standstill with no signs of resolution. In an already difficult livelihood situation, the economic damage is directly borne by the people."
Earlier that morning, Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the party, also said at the party's floor strategy meeting, "If the two parties' secretaries of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee find it difficult to mediate any longer, I propose that the floor leaders and policy committee chairs of both parties step in to mediate for an early resolution."
On the same day, Lee criticized, "There is no will from the government and ruling party, who should be responsible for the people's lives. If the Cargo Solidarity strike is dismissed as a 'political strike' and only a hardline response is maintained, the problem cannot be resolved."
He continued, "If Cargo Solidarity insists on a strong confrontation, the situation will grow uncontrollably. The way to guarantee safe labor rights is ultimately through institutional arrangements, which is a matter of wisdom, not force. It is something that can only be resolved through dialogue."
Lee said, "Our party's floor leadership has expressed its willingness to directly step in and mediate. The People Power Party must respond immediately."
He added, "There is no value in democracy that justifies sacrificing people's livelihoods. If people's livelihoods are suffering, it must be resolved urgently above all else. Now, the National Assembly, as the people's representative, must fulfill that responsibility."
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