Economic, Social and Labor Council Responds to Crisis of Complex Transformation
Exploring Convergence Agendas Beyond Labor-Management Issues
Promoting Deliberative Methods Such as Town Hall Meetings
Kim Jihyung, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council, stated on the 22nd, "The participation of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) cannot be an absolute prerequisite for initiating a new round of social dialogue." He added, "Given the urgent issues that need to be addressed and the public's call to resume social dialogue after a long suspension, there is a need to restart discussions within the existing tripartite framework, focusing on the stakeholders who are able to participate at this time."
Chairman Kim made these remarks at a press briefing held at the Council's main conference room in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the same day. However, he explained, "While it may take some time for the KCTU to join, I personally hope that they will participate in the near future." He further stated, "If social dialogue can better meet public expectations and proceed with sincerity, I expect that the KCTU will naturally join as well."
Chairman Kim also said, "I intend to wait patiently for the KCTU's participation." He pointed out, "While it would be ideal for all parties to participate together, the timing of the KCTU's return to social dialogue remains highly uncertain." He emphasized, "This does not mean that we intend to start social dialogue by completely excluding the KCTU. If we demonstrate a more sincere approach to social dialogue, the momentum for KCTU's participation could also increase."
Kim Jihyung, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council, is speaking at a press briefing held on the 22nd at the council's main conference room in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Economic, Social and Labor Council
On this day, Chairman Kim described the current situation as a "crisis of complex transformation" and expressed his commitment to addressing it. He stressed, "The economic, social, and labor environment is undergoing rapid changes," and "We are facing serious challenges that go beyond simple changes." He further mentioned, "We are experiencing simultaneous and significant crises, such as the green transition triggered by the low birth rate and aging population, as well as trade transitions resulting from the restructuring of the global trade order."
Chairman Kim stated, "Accurately diagnosing and overcoming the crisis of complex transformation is directly linked to the life and fate of our social community," and "We must find solutions through participatory democracy that reflects the diverse opinions and wisdom of all social actors, including stakeholders." He also said, "Going forward, social dialogue at the Council should not be limited to merely resuming talks," and emphasized, "There is a need to explore a new paradigm for dialogue."
Regarding the operation of the Council, Chairman Kim signaled changes in three areas: ▲functions and roles, ▲agendas, and ▲procedures. He explained, "We aim to move beyond simply mediating interests between labor and management and develop the Council into a public forum for social dialogue that helps design the future." He added, "Rather than just resuming previously interrupted discussions, it would be more appropriate to describe this as a 'restructuring.'"
He stated, "In addition to issues raised by labor, management, and government, we plan to actively identify and discuss 'convergence agendas'-social issues that resonate with all citizens." He continued, "Instead of approaching these issues solely from the perspective of conflict mediation, we should present social challenges deemed significant by society and address them by dividing roles and responsibilities among social actors. From setting detailed agendas to preparing alternatives, we must gather public wisdom to develop and implement solutions to structural problems."
Chairman Kim said, "We need to strengthen the procedures for promoting social dialogue that encourages public discussion and deliberation," and "Depending on the agenda, we will actively introduce various deliberative methods suited to each issue, such as town hall meetings and scenario workshops, in addition to public opinion surveys." The Council is planning for its Agenda Development and Coordination Committee to review current issues, while for agendas requiring public discussion,it is considering establishing a new Deliberation Committee with the characteristics of a special committee to further develop these topics.
Chairman Kim also stated, "We are considering actively utilizing digital methods, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to encourage broader public participation in the deliberative process," and "We will further open the door to social dialogue so that various stakeholders, including startups, platform workers, freelancers, and the elderly, can participate." He added, "We are also exploring various ways to conduct multi-layered social dialogue at the industry or regional level in parallel."
Regarding concerns about the lack of channels to reflect the opinions of youth and women, Chairman Kim said, "We are seeking ways to address shortcomings in representation." He explained, "With regard to youth, there is ample room to discuss issues related to jobs and employment," and "Rather than treating issues such as extending the retirement age or youth employment as fragmented topics, we need to fundamentally and critically address how to ensure income stability through continuous employment across the entire life cycle."
Regarding the issue of night work, which has been discussed recently in connection with the Coupang issue, Chairman Kim said, "It appears that there is no country with legislation that outright bans night work," and "However, when it comes to night work, especially late-night work, the protection of workers' health rights must naturally be ensured." He added, "A more important direction is to consider how to ensure the protection of workers' health rights in connection with night work," and "This is one of the agendas that should be discussed."
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