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| ▲ President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a meeting with senior officials from major conglomerates, and small and medium-sized enterprises to discuss a co-prosperity business model held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on March 10, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) |
Lee-labor law
Lee expresses hope new labor law will promote dialogue to resolve labor-management disputes
By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, March 10 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday expressed hope that the implementation of a revised labor law aimed at broadening workers' bargaining rights would promote dialogue to resolve disputes between labor and management.
Lee made the remarks as the so-called yellow envelope act took effect following a six-month preparation period, requiring prime contractors to take greater responsibility for subcontracted workers while restricting companies from filing damage claims against striking workers.
"I expect subcontractors to directly negotiate with prime contractors so that it can serve as a starting point for resolving problems through dialogue and compromise, rather than confrontation and conflict," Lee said in a video message marking the 80th anniversary of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, a major umbrella labor group.
Lee said the job market is rapidly changing amid digital transformation and advances in artificial intelligence, pledging the government's efforts to protect workers' rights.
"We will strongly protect the rights of workers and place social dialogue at the center of state governance," he said. "The government will mobilize its resources so that more workers can join labor unions and more broadly enjoy their labor rights."
The pro-labor bill took effect after passing on a third attempt, following two vetoes by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who had argued the legislation could make it harder for companies to hold unions accountable for illegal strikes and could hamper business activities.
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