KEF’s First Visit to KCTU

The new president of the Korea Employers Federation (KEF) visited the Korea Confederation of Trade Union (KCTU). The KEF represents businesses in labor-management relations.

The visit was made after the one to the Federation of Korea Trade Union (FKTU) last Thursday, drawing attention to the possible improvement of industrial relations.

The KEF president’s visit to the KCTU is unprecedented.

“I am very grateful for your visit. I hope every issue will be resolved smoothly,” said Lee Soo-ho, the KCTU president.

“After assuming the presidency, first of all, I wanted to visit KCTU. Koreans will face more troubles if we (KEF, the KCTU, and the FKTU) fail to resolve labor issues,” replied Chairman Lee Soo-young.

However, they were sharply divided regarding their opinions in the thirty-minute talks.

“KCTU is pursuing unions by industry due to various industrial problems including discrimination against irregular workers,” President Lee said, asking for KEF’s cooperation.

President Lee also urged businesses to be proactive in accepting equal labor-management relations and in disclosing transparent business information.

He also proposed a joint research on labor issues since many conflicts are derived from misunderstandings.

“Small and medium sized enterprises are suffering from many difficulties, including labor disputes. We should work together to enable ‘no-dispute’ at least this year to help SMEs not to lose their enterprising spirits,” Chairman Lee emphasized.

He also asked KTFU to help businesses create more jobs and increase investment, pointing the negative impacts of labor disputes on businesses.

Na-Yeon Lee larosa@donga.com