Kim Moon-soo: "We Will Prepare for the National Assembly to Discuss the 'Labor Vulnerable Protection Act' Within the Year"

Kim Moon-soo, New Minister of Employment and Labor
Inauguration Ceremony at Government Sejong Complex on the 30th
Emphasizes Labor Reform Commitment and Tripartite Dialogue

Kim Moon-soo, the newly appointed Minister of Employment and Labor, announced in his inaugural speech on the 30th that "the Labor Vulnerable Protection Act will be promptly prepared to be discussed in the National Assembly this year."

Kim Moon-soo, the newly appointed Minister of Employment and Labor, is delivering his inaugural speech at the inauguration ceremony held on the afternoon of the 30th in the large conference room of the Ministry of Employment and Labor at the Government Sejong Complex. [Image source=Yonhap News]

At the inauguration ceremony held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, Minister Kim expressed his determination to work on labor reform, saying, "I feel a heavy responsibility as I take on this important role during a time of unprecedented change."

Minister Kim stated, "I intend to connect the lives and experiences of the labor field to labor reform," and said he would focus on three tasks going forward. The tasks he mentioned include taking care of labor vulnerable groups, creating good jobs, and protecting workers' lives and safety.

Minister Kim predicted that the Labor Vulnerable Protection Act would be discussed in the National Assembly this year to ensure that labor vulnerable groups are not marginalized. He also mentioned expanding the government's role by strengthening labor inspections to resolve wage arrears. To address the issue of workers in small businesses with fewer than five employees not being covered by the Labor Standards Act, he stated, "We will prepare a win-win solution for all through tripartite social dialogue among labor, management, and the government."

To create quality jobs, he explained that regulatory relaxation and labor reform would improve the investment environment for companies. He also mentioned that to achieve work-family balance, he would focus on promoting the "Measures to Reverse the Low Birthrate Trend" prepared last June. For workplace safety, he said, "It is important to establish a 'self-regulatory prevention system' where labor and management jointly identify and improve risk factors," and "the government will also provide support."

Minister Kim said, "If we improve unreasonable practices on the foundation of labor-management rule of law and create a culture of dialogue and compromise, there will be changes in the labor field," and during his term, he promised to "listen to the voices of the labor field."