Handonghun Visits Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, Says "People Power Party Supports Workers"

"Growth is a Tool for Welfare... Will Empower Workers"
Korean Confederation of Trade Unions "Ruling Party Must Care for Workers' Lives"

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, visited the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) and stated, "Our People Power Party stands with workers and will pursue policies that properly reward the value of labor." He also reiterated the 'welfare through growth' principle that he has emphasized since taking office as party leader.

Yonhap News

On the 19th, at the FKTU building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Han said, "Ultimately, politics is the art of setting priorities. We place the improvement of workers' rights as a priority." He added, "I believe we must become a welfare state for both workers and the people," emphasizing, "As a conservative and right-wing party, we talk about upward growth, but growth is a tool for welfare."

Han stated, "The People Power Party has been misunderstood and prejudged as neglecting labor issues," and said, "That is not true. We sincerely want to be the strength of workers." Regarding the four policy agendas proposed by Kim Dong-myeong, chairman of the FKTU, including the application of the Labor Standards Act to workplaces with fewer than five employees, Han responded, "How can we accept everything you say? However, our sincere intention to listen is clear," and added, "I fully agree with Chairman Kim's idea of frankly prioritizing and developing what can be done first."

Chairman Kim said, "Taking care of the lives of workers and ordinary people is a heavy responsibility of the ruling party and a core value of conservatism," but added, "However, my memory is vague as to when I last saw the ruling party improving people's lives, wiping away their tears, and crying together with them."

Furthermore, Chairman Kim stated, "The ruling party must take the lead in promptly passing support bills such as the Special Act on Support for Regions Closing Coal-Fired Power Plants," and added, "I hope this will be an opportunity to freely exchange opinions on the four major labor issues and related matters."