Vice Minister of Employment: "Alleviating Labor Market Dual Structure and Extending Retirement Age Are Pressing Challenges... Will Address Them"

"Protecting the Basic Rights of Workers Left in Legal Blind Spots"

Kwon Changjun, the newly appointed Vice Minister of Employment and Labor, stated on the 27th, "We are facing the pressing challenges of alleviating the dual structure of the labor market and extending the retirement age." He added, "Although these challenges are by no means easy, I intend to overcome them by joining forces with all of you, the staff of the Ministry of Employment and Labor."

Kwon Changjun, Vice Minister of Employment and Labor, who began his term on the 27th. Photo by Yonhap News

Vice Minister Kwon made these remarks in his inaugural address as he began his term on this day. He noted, "Many working people still remain outside the protection of labor-related laws," and expressed concerns about employment, saying, "Due to low birth rates and an aging population, the working-age population is decreasing, and the job creation capacity of key industries such as manufacturing, which have traditionally been the cradle of jobs, is also declining." He especially emphasized, "It is truly heartbreaking that the number of young people who have given up on seeking employment has reached an all-time high."

Vice Minister Kwon said, "We will focus our ministry's capabilities not just on respecting labor, but on creating a society where labor brings happiness," and added, "We will start by protecting the basic rights of workers who are left in the legal blind spots." He continued, "To ensure that there is no injustice while working, such as wage arrears and industrial accidents, I will immediately examine various issues occurring in the field and swiftly prepare countermeasures upon taking office," and stated, "We will also reform the labor inspection system so that workplace issues can be resolved quickly and effectively."

Vice Minister Kwon said, "To ensure the seamless implementation of key pledges, such as enacting a basic law to guarantee the universal rights of all working people and amending Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union Act (the so-called Yellow Envelope Law) for fair and equal labor-management relations, we will pursue improvements in laws and systems." He also stated, "Through social dialogue that allows labor and management to build trust, we will create a fair and mutually beneficial labor market."

He said, "We will reform the first employment safety net, employment insurance, to be income-based so that more people can be protected more robustly." He added, "By expanding and reforming the second employment safety net, the National Employment Support System, we will enhance the public's sense of support, especially for young job seekers." He particularly announced plans to strengthen vocational training to foster talent in new technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, and to provide broad support for young people by preparing customized measures according to employment status and the size of their workplaces.

He also expressed his commitment to creating safe and healthy workplaces. Vice Minister Kwon said, "We will strengthen the prevention of industrial accidents according to the size and risk of workplaces, expand inspections and supervision of workplaces with frequent accidents, and enhance on-site management to dramatically reduce fatal industrial accidents." He further specified, "We will continue to improve the industrial accident insurance system."

To promote work-family balance, the ministry plans to strengthen support so that parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and actual reductions in working hours can rapidly spread in workplaces. Vice Minister Kwon also said, "Extending the retirement age is an unavoidable task," and added, "Through social dialogue to address income discontinuity, we will promote various support measures for extending the retirement age, reemployment of middle-aged and older workers, and securing income for old age."

He explained that labor, management, and the government must come together and collaborate throughout these improvement processes. Vice Minister Kwon stated, "In the newly launched government of national sovereignty, I will contribute to Korea's genuine growth by fostering a culture of dialogue and compromise among labor, management, and the government."

Meanwhile, Vice Minister Kwon, who revealed, "It has already been 28 years since I have shared joys and hardships with colleagues at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, grappling with difficult issues," said, "I will boldly eliminate unnecessary tasks and establish fair principles in our work." He also mentioned, "I will do my utmost to ensure that the Ministry of Employment and Labor itself becomes a model of a good workplace."

Considering the serious domestic employment situation, Vice Minister Kwon skipped the inauguration ceremony and began his duties immediately on this day. The Ministry of Employment and Labor stated, "Vice Minister Kwon is regarded as the right person to help resolve social conflicts and create jobs through proactive work and smooth communication, based on his 28 years of experience in employment and labor administration."

Previously, Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the President, introduced at a vice ministerial appointment briefing held the previous day, "(Vice Minister Kwon) conducted an unprecedented large-scale interview survey to improve the labor environment," and added, "His strength lies in proactive work, such as establishing a forum for the future of labor with youth participation."