Park Hong-keun, the Minister of Planning and Budget, visited the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) on July 20, stating that the government will incorporate labor perspectives in the preparation of next year's budget and the establishment of a long-term national development strategy.
During his meeting at the KCTU headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Park engaged with KCTU Chairman Kim Dong-myung and other union leaders. The meeting aimed to address current issues in labor and welfare and explore policy alternatives.
Chairman Kim proposed several initiatives, including improving the treatment of public sector workers, recognizing the experience of long-term care workers, and supporting substitute workers in caregiving roles. He also recommended separating maternity protection from employment insurance, expanding government support for health insurance, and enhancing policies for caregiving and occupational accident prevention.
In response, Minister Park stated, "The government is actively working to alleviate labor market disparities and resolve employment instability based on the measures announced in April to improve the treatment of non-regular workers in the public sector." He added that the government aims to strengthen job foundations and social safety nets while maintaining fiscal sustainability in response to structural changes such as low birth rates, aging populations, and the transition to an AI-centered industry.
He emphasized, "We will carefully examine improvements in worker treatment during the budget preparation process for next year and in the operation of the public sector committee starting in September."
The Ministry of Planning and Budget plans to continue engaging with various sectors, including labor, to expand financial investments in areas that improve working conditions and enhance the social safety net, ensuring that citizens can feel the benefits.
During his meeting at the KCTU headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Park engaged with KCTU Chairman Kim Dong-myung and other union leaders. The meeting aimed to address current issues in labor and welfare and explore policy alternatives.
Chairman Kim proposed several initiatives, including improving the treatment of public sector workers, recognizing the experience of long-term care workers, and supporting substitute workers in caregiving roles. He also recommended separating maternity protection from employment insurance, expanding government support for health insurance, and enhancing policies for caregiving and occupational accident prevention.
In response, Minister Park stated, "The government is actively working to alleviate labor market disparities and resolve employment instability based on the measures announced in April to improve the treatment of non-regular workers in the public sector." He added that the government aims to strengthen job foundations and social safety nets while maintaining fiscal sustainability in response to structural changes such as low birth rates, aging populations, and the transition to an AI-centered industry.
He emphasized, "We will carefully examine improvements in worker treatment during the budget preparation process for next year and in the operation of the public sector committee starting in September."
The Ministry of Planning and Budget plans to continue engaging with various sectors, including labor, to expand financial investments in areas that improve working conditions and enhance the social safety net, ensuring that citizens can feel the benefits.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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