Kwon Youngguk Appeals for Support in Changwon ... "Focus Should Be on Workers, Not the Region"

Kwon Youngguk, the Democratic Labor Party presidential candidate, visited Gyeongnam to appeal for support and announce his regional pledges.

On May 30, Kwon held a press conference at the Gyeongnam Provincial Council press room, where he declared his ambition to "create a Gyeongnam where labor and the environment coexist."

He emphasized, "While the other three candidates advocate for economic growth, becoming an economic powerhouse, and making the country business-friendly, I have been the only candidate to call for a country that is good for workers, where workers and ordinary citizens can enjoy welfare benefits."

Kwon explained, "Gyeongnam is one of the regions responsible for Korea's manufacturing industry," adding, "It is home to major manufacturing industries such as the machinery industry in Changwon, the shipbuilding industry in Geoje, and the aerospace industry in Sacheon."

He stressed, "Gyeongnam can only thrive if the manufacturing industry thrives," and highlighted that "creating an industrial ecosystem focused on skills and innovation, revitalizing manufacturing, and generating local jobs are the most important factors for Gyeongnam's survival."

He further announced, "The focus should not be on the region itself, but on the workers who work there," and pledged to "support the development of workers' skills and build a labor-centered support infrastructure, including a regional employment information network and support centers for special employment types and freelancers."

He also pointed out that reckless development and the neglect of agriculture are threatening the livelihoods of agricultural and tourism workers. He pledged to halt reckless development, promote eco-tourism centered on local communities, strengthen disaster response to climate-related crises such as wildfires, and enhance compensation support for damages in agriculture and fisheries.

Addressing the reality of the climate crisis, he also promised to guarantee the total employment of workers at the Hadong and Samcheonpo coal-fired power plants, which are scheduled for closure, and to expand publicly-led renewable energy.

In addition, he mentioned the implementation of a full public transportation system, the construction of a wide-area railway network connecting Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, and the strengthening of community-based care and welfare services.

Regarding the '470 billion won damage claim lawsuit against subcontractor workers at Hanwha Ocean,' which is a major regional issue, Kwon stated, "Exemption clauses should be applied to limit damage claims when workers go on strike."

He added, "By amending labor laws to guarantee the three basic labor rights, we will ensure that workers are not subject to damage claims simply because they went on strike."

Prior to the press conference, Kwon appealed for support during a morning campaign rally at the intersection in front of the main gate of Hyundai Rotem in Changwon National Industrial Complex. The press conference was attended by former Justice Party chairperson Yeo Youngguk and Kim Ilsik, head of the Gyeongnam branch of the Metal Workers' Union.