Lee calls for balanced labor flexibility through dialogue

Mar 20, 2026, 09:15 am

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President Lee Jae-myung speaks at a labor policy discussion marking the launch of the first Economic, Social and Labor Council at the presidential office on March 19. / Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung on March 19 emphasized that employment flexibility should not come at the unilateral expense of workers, calling instead for balanced solutions through social dialogue.

Speaking at a labor policy forum marking the launch of the first Economic, Social and Labor Council under his administration, Lee said, “It is important to create conditions where workers can accept the level of flexibility that companies seek,” adding that “it is not right to demand one-sided sacrifices from workers.”

Lee urged the newly launched council to find a middle ground between labor and management, expanding employment flexibility while ensuring both sides can accept the outcome.

Acknowledging long-standing tensions, Lee noted, “From the business side, rigid employment structures are seen as a problem, but for workers, ‘being fired means death,’ making it difficult to accept such demands. Both sides have their reasons.”

He suggested strengthening social safety nets as a key solution, saying that creating an environment where workers do not feel that dismissal is equivalent to “death” would help ease resistance. Lee also proposed that companies benefiting from increased flexibility should bear the cost of reinforcing these safety measures.

Highlighting deep-rooted mistrust, Lee said, “The problem is distrust, which has built up over decades and is not easy to resolve,” but stressed that reform is unavoidable. “We must invest significant energy in rebuilding trust, and the first step is to sit down and engage in sincere dialogue,” he added.

Lee also proposed that the council avoid forced resolutions, noting past dissatisfaction among labor groups. “This time, let’s not make decisions by force. Let’s avoid pressure and start with dialogue,” he said.

The forum was attended by council chairman Kim Ji-hyung, labor representatives including Korea Confederation of Trade Unions leader Kim Dong-myung, and business leaders such as Korea Employers Federation chairman Sohn Kyung-shik. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions did not attend.

#Lee Jae-myung #labor policy #employment flexibility #social dialogue