▲ President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a debate session with the Economic, Social and Labor Council, a tripartite presidential advisory body, held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on March 16, 2026. (Yonhap)

Lee-labor market

Lee puts importance on likelihood of workers' acceptance in adopting labor market flexibility

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung said Thursday importance should be attached to the likelihood of workers' acceptance in adopting labor market flexibility, expressing objection to unilateral sacrifices by laborers when companies adjust workplace policies.

Lee made the remarks during a debate session with the Economic, Social and Labor Council, a tripartite presidential advisory body, alongside labor groups and government officials.

"We need to create conditions in which workers can accept the kind of employment flexibility that companies seek. It cannot be forced, as that would be unfair," Lee said.

He emphasized the importance of reinforcing the social safety net to support workers amid a changing job market, calling on companies that benefit from increased labor flexibility to shoulder a greater share of the burden.

"It is not right to proceed in a way that demands unilateral sacrifice from workers. We need to create a rational environment that everyone can accept," he said. "Building a sufficient social safety net is essential so that workers do not feel insecure."

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