Vice Minister Kim Min-seok of the Ministry of Employment and Labor said, 'The Korean government ensures that everyone who works is guaranteed basic rights and is establishing a comprehensive protection system so they can work in a safe environment.'
Vice Minister Kim attended the International Labor Organization (ILO) General Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 9th (local time) as a keynote speaker, where he stated this. Vice Minister Kim delivered a speech on the theme of 'strengthening the consolidation of jobs, rights, and growth.'
Vice Minister Kim noted, 'The ILO Secretary-General's report proposed directions for us to pursue, including securing policy consistency, strengthening international partnerships, and focusing investments on youth, women, and informal workers,' adding that 'this provides significant implications for the Korean labor market.'
He continued, 'The Korean government is actively promoting policies to strengthen the link between jobs, rights, and growth based on democracy to open a sustainable future during this period of great transition,' and added, 'Good jobs enable sustainable economic growth, form a foundation for rights protection, and are a key means of enhancing social inclusiveness and resilience.'
Vice Minister Kim introduced Korea's work-life balance system and programs aimed at middle-aged individuals, stating, 'We are enhancing employment services to ensure that all workers and job seekers can smoothly enter and maintain participation in the labor market throughout their life cycles,' and 'We are providing support to respond flexibly to the labor market.'
He also stated, 'Korea has the experience of strengthening democracy while overcoming crises and challenges through social dialogue during the past economic growth process,' and added, 'Based on this experience, we will continue to strive for the development of 'jobs, rights, and growth' as a 'dynamic triangular structure.'
He expressed, 'Through this conference, I hope that countries will share their experiences and insights, and establish a foundation for sustainable cooperation,' and acknowledged that 'the Republic of Korea government will continue to work towards improving working conditions and enhancing the rights of workers, as well as strengthening the competitiveness of corporations as a responsible member of the international community, just as it has done so far.'