President Lee Jae-myung on Wednesday, one day before Labor Day, said that "when some organized workers make excessive and unfair demands and are condemned by the public, other workers end up suffering." The remarks urged responsible conduct from labor unions amid Samsung Electronics' threat of a general strike and escalating conflicts involving major unions including the Cargo Truckers Solidarity. Lee also emphasized closing labor gaps, strengthening on-site supervision of industrial accidents, and improving related systems.
Speaking at a senior secretaries' meeting held at the former presidential office in Cheong Wa Dae, Lee said, "With the great transformation brought by artificial intelligence (AI), labor and industrial sites will be exposed to fundamental changes going forward." He added, "Overcoming such critical challenges requires a spirit of coexistence and cooperation."
Lee reiterated, "If some organized workers make excessive demands, saying they alone must survive, it damages not only the union in question but also other workers." He continued, "Rather than 'only I survive,' we need a sense of responsibility and solidarity so that all workers and all citizens can live together," adding, "Let us put ourselves in others' shoes and build a world where we live together."
Lee highlighted the current administration's labor-respect policies, including designating Labor Day as a legal public holiday, and said, "Labor Day has found its rightful name of labor." On May 1, the first Labor Day of the current administration, Lee will hold a commemorative ceremony at the guest house of the former presidential office, inviting the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU). While emphasizing a labor-respect stance, Lee clearly delivered the message that it is difficult to tolerate situations in which excessive demands from specific unions shift burdens onto the broader industry and other workers.
Separately, Lee urged officials to "stabilize prices related to people's livelihoods and respond to hoarding and speculation with a zero-tolerance principle."
