Yoon Holds Lunch with Welfare and Labor Workers: "Good Policies Are Not Effective Without Field Communication"

President Yoon and First Lady Host Over 110 Guests at Blue House Reception Hall
"Become Partners in Welfare for the Vulnerable and Labor Reform"
Focusing on Welfare for the Vulnerable, Not Populism

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 23rd, "No matter how good a policy is, if it is not properly delivered to those who need it on the ground, it cannot be called a good policy."

At a luncheon held on the afternoon of the 23rd at the Blue House State Guest House with welfare and labor field workers, President Yoon said, "The beginning and end of policy is always the field. I hope you become partners in welfare for the vulnerable and labor reform so that the people can feel the effects."

The luncheon was attended by over 110 workers from 15 occupations in the welfare and labor sectors, including staff from disability welfare centers and local children's centers that President Yoon personally visited, as well as caregivers, daycare workers, disability activity supporters, community security councils, social welfare public officials, social welfare center workers, employment center staff, labor inspectors, and industrial safety inspectors. First Lady Kim Keon-hee also joined the event.

Regarding welfare for the vulnerable and labor reform, President Yoon emphasized, "It is for the future of the people and the nation. The government will do its best, but those working on the ground must join forces for the policy to bear fruit."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

To the field workers, President Yoon said, "Since taking office, I remember visiting various welfare facilities for children, the elderly, and the disabled to hear voices from the field," and encouraged them by saying, "The people who can be most relied upon by the public are those working on the ground."

He continued, "I deeply appreciate those who are working devotedly despite difficult circumstances," adding, "We will strive to ensure fair and appropriate compensation and treatment for your efforts. Also, please convey not only the hardships you feel on the ground but also your policy suggestions without reservation."

President Yoon stated, "The government aims for welfare for the vulnerable, not populist political welfare. The core of true welfare for the vulnerable is to provide stronger support to those in greater need based on the spirit of freedom and solidarity," and added, "Rather than indiscriminate cash welfare, when we move toward 'service welfare' that provides high-quality social services and achieves a virtuous cycle between welfare and employment, we can realize customized welfare for true social vulnerable groups."

Regarding labor policy, he said, "We will eradicate illegal acts and violence in the labor field and establish a fair and just compensation system for workers to protect labor vulnerable groups," emphasizing, "Especially as we promote flexible working hours policies, workers will receive fair compensation for the work done, and their rights to health and rest will be firmly protected." He also promised to communicate more broadly and carefully with labor vulnerable groups who have weak bargaining power.

Following the luncheon, there was a listening session on the dispatch process of child abuse dedicated public officials working 24-hour shifts to respond to child abuse and on cases of child protection. President Yoon said, "Children who cannot even speak about abuse are beings we must protect with infinite care," urging, "Please work hard so that these precious children can grow up safely and healthily."

Additionally, there were presentations on cases by medical social workers striving to prevent the vicious cycle where illness leads to poverty; staff in charge of senior customized care services supporting the safe and healthy lives of elderly people needing care; labor inspectors working to eradicate illegal and unfair practices and protect labor vulnerable groups; and employment support officers at employment centers helping job seekers find jobs.