Latest news with #KCTU
Korea Herald
18 hours ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Next stop Labor Ministry: Train driver's rise to Cabinet gets mixed reaction
First blue-collar pick for labor chief draws praise — and fears of union sway When President Lee Jae Myung's Cabinet picks were unveiled Monday afternoon, Kim Young-hoon was in the driver's seat — literally. The 57-year-old train driver, who was operating a train between Gimcheon and Busan with his phone turned off, says he didn't learn of his historic nomination until an hour after the news broke. Only after completing his shift and stepping off the train in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, did Kim hear from colleagues that he had been tapped as South Korea's next labor minister, he told Yonhap. The nomination marks a milestone: Kim is set to become the country's first blue-collar worker to head the Ministry of Employment and Labor. His selection by the liberal president has drawn both praise and skepticism, highlighting the growing debate over labor representation at the top levels of policymaking. Kim also brings a decade of experience in labor activism. He led the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions from 2010 to 2012, during the administration of former President Lee Myung-bak, a conservative businessman-turned-politician. The KCTU is the largest labor group in Korea, representing some 1.2 million workers. Known for its combative stance, the KCTU has frequently clashed with conservative governments, staging nationwide strikes and sit-in protests over labor rights and policy disputes. In the past, some of its strikes have also involved violence. Though he has to go through a confirmation hearing, Kim is the first-ever KCTU member nominated for the role of labor minister. Since the Ministry of Employment and Labor was established in 2010, labor ministers have typically chosen from among government officials, administrators, professors and legislators. The public reaction was a mixed bag, ranging from online congratulations to deep distrust regarding the nominee's KCTU, blue-collar background. Jang Seong-cheol, a political commentator and a former aide to the conservative People Power Party, questioned whether Kim could manage his administrative duties effectively regardless of his career in a local radio show 'Kim Hyun Jung's News Show' on Tuesday. 'Managing the administrative affairs in a ministry is a serious responsibility. And there's a real risk of being surrounded and swayed by bureaucrats,' Jang said. 'And if Kim strongly believes the Labor Ministry should be more pro-labor and focused on creating policies favorable to workers, he might appoint those who fully share his vision. But this could lead to serious conflict between the minister's office and the ministry itself,' he added. Rep. Song Eon-seog, floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, criticized Kim's nomination, warning that it signals the start of the KCTU's political agenda seeping into government policy. The presidential office said that Kim was nominated as a figure who has represented workers. 'We expect him to play a key role in strengthening the rights of working people by working with different issues such as industrial accidents, the 'Yellow Envelope Law' and a 4.5-day workweek system,' said Kang Hoon-sik, the chief of staff to the president, in Monday's briefing. On Monday, the KCTU and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, South Korea's other major labor group, lambasted the Labor Ministry for failing to represent the voices of workers, fueling conflict, and turning a blind eye to widespread discrimination in the workplace. 'Lee's government must abandon the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's anti-labor policies and pursue a major shift in state affairs to guarantee labor rights. The union expects the labor minister nominee to fully recognize the pressing tasks of our time and to faithfully fulfill his duties as the Labor Minister in guaranteeing workers' rights,' the KCTU said in an official statement. The FKTU also urged Kim not to rely on political parties' stances, economic reasoning or bureaucratic minds. The union expressed its hopes for the labor minister nominee to pursue meaningful progress through social dialogue and consensus between workers, management and government.
Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Train driver's rise to South Korea's cabinet gets mixed reaction
Mr Kim Young-hoon is set to become the country's first blue-collar worker to head the Ministry of Employment and Labour. PHOTO: EPA-EFE SEOUL - When South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's Cabinet picks were unveiled on June 23 afternoon, Mr Kim Young-hoon was in the driver's seat — literally. The 57-year-old train driver, who was operating a train between Gimcheon and Busan with his phone turned off, says he did not learn of his historic nomination until an hour after the news broke. Only after completing his shift and stepping off the train in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, did Mr Kim hear from colleagues that he had been tapped as South Korea's next labour minister, he told Yonhap. The nomination marks a milestone: Mr Kim is set to become the country's first blue-collar worker to head the Ministry of Employment and Labour. His selection by the liberal president has drawn both praise and scepticism, highlighting the growing debate over labour representation at the top levels of policymaking. Mr Kim also brings a decade of experience in labour activism. He led the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) from 2010 to 2012, during the administration of former President Lee Myung-bak, a conservative businessman-turned-politician. The KCTU is the largest labour group in Korea, representing some 1.2 million workers. Known for its combative stance, the KCTU has frequently clashed with conservative governments, staging nationwide strikes and sit-in protests over labour rights and policy disputes. In the past, some of its strikes have also involved violence. Though he has to go through a confirmation hearing, Mr Kim is the first-ever KCTU member nominated for the role of labour minister. Since the Ministry of Employment and Labour was established in 2010, labour ministers have typically chosen from among government officials, administrators, professors and legislators. The public reaction was a mixed bag, ranging from online congratulations to deep distrust regarding the nominee's KCTU, blue-collar background. Mr Jang Seong-cheol, a political commentator and a former aide to the conservative People Power Party, questioned whether Mr Kim could manage his administrative duties effectively regardless of his career in a local radio show 'Kim Hyun Jung's News Show' on June 24. 'Managing the administrative affairs in a ministry is a serious responsibility. And there's a real risk of being surrounded and swayed by bureaucrats,' Mr Jang said. 'And if Mr Kim strongly believes the Labour Ministry should be more pro-labour and focused on creating policies favorable to workers, he might appoint those who fully share his vision. But this could lead to serious conflict between the minister's office and the ministry itself,' he added. Representative Song Eon-seog, floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, criticised Mr Kim's nomination, warning that it signals the start of the KCTU's political agenda seeping into government policy. The presidential office said that Mr Kim was nominated as a figure who has represented workers. 'We expect him to play a key role in strengthening the rights of working people by working with different issues such as industrial accidents, the 'Yellow Envelope Law' and a 4.5-day workweek system,' said Mr Kang Hoon-sik, the chief of staff to the president, in a briefing on June 23. On June 23, the KCTU and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, South Korea's other major labour group, lambasted the Labour Ministry for failing to represent the voices of workers, fueling conflict, and turning a blind eye to widespread discrimination in the workplace. 'Lee's government must abandon the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's anti-labour policies and pursue a major shift in state affairs to guarantee labour rights. The union expects the labour minister nominee to fully recognize the pressing tasks of our time and to faithfully fulfill his duties as the Labour Minister in guaranteeing workers' rights,' the KCTU said in an official statement. The FKTU also urged Mr Kim not to rely on political parties' stances, economic reasoning or bureaucratic minds. The union expressed its hopes for the labour minister nominee to pursue meaningful progress through social dialogue and consensus between workers, management and government. THE KOREA HERALD/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
From tracks to Cabinet: Locomotive engineer's rise to S. Korea's labor policy chief draws mixed responses
First blue-collar pick for labor chief draws praise — and fears of union sway When President Lee Jae Myung's Cabinet picks were unveiled Monday afternoon, Kim Young-hoon was in the driver's seat — literally. The 57-year-old locomotive engineer, who was operating a local train between Gimcheon and Busan with his phone turned off, didn't learn of his historic nomination until an hour after the news broke. Only after completing his shift and stepping off the train in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, did Kim hear from colleagues that he had been tapped as South Korea's next labor minister. The nomination marks a milestone: Kim is set to become the country's first blue-collar worker to head the Ministry of Employment and Labor. His selection by the liberal president has drawn both praise and skepticism, highlighting the growing debate over labor representation at the top levels of policymaking. Kim also brings a decadelong track record in labor activism. He led the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions from 2010 to 2012, during the administration of former President Lee Myung-bak, a conservative businessman-turned-politician. The KCTU is the largest labor umbrella group, representing some 1.2 million workers. Known for its combative stance, the KCTU has frequently clashed with conservative governments, staging nationwide strikes and sit-in protests over labor rights and policy disputes. In the past, some of its strikes have also involved violence. Though he has to go through a confirmation hearing, Kim is the first-ever KCTU member nominated for the role of labor minister. Since the Ministry of Employment and Labor was established in 2010, labor ministers have typically been named among government officials, administrators, professors and legislators. A mixed bag of emotions was shared among the public, ranging from online congratulations to deep distrust regarding the nominee's KCTU and blue-collar backgrounds. Jang Seong-cheol, a political commentator and a former aide to the conservative People Power Party, questioned whether Kim can manage his administrative duties effectively regardless of his career in a local radio show 'Kim Hyun Jung's News Show' on Tuesday. 'Managing the administrative affairs in a ministry is a serious responsibility. And there's a real risk of being surrounded and swayed by bureaucrats,' Jang said. 'And if Kim strongly believes the Labor Ministry should be more pro-labor and focused on creating policies favorable to workers, he might appoint those who fully share his vision. But this could lead to serious conflict between the minister's office and the ministry itself,' he added. Rep. Song Eon-seog, floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, criticized Kim's nomination, warning that it signals the start of the KCTU's political agenda seeping into government policy. The presidential office said that Kim was nominated as a figure who has represented workers. 'We expect him to play a key role in strengthening the rights of working people by working with different issues such as industrial accidents, the "Yellow Envelope Law" and a 4.5-day workweek system,' said Kang Hoon-sik, the chief of staff to the president, in Monday's briefing. On Monday, the KCTU and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, South Korea's other major labor group, lambasted the Labor Ministry for failing to represent the voices of workers, fueling conflict, and turning a blind eye to widespread discrimination in the workplace. 'Lee's government must abandon the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's anti-labor policies and pursue a major shift in state affairs to guarantee labor rights. The union expects the labor minister nominee to fully recognize the pressing tasks of our time and to faithfully fulfill his duties as the Labor Minister in guaranteeing workers' rights,' the KCTU said in an official statement. The FKTU also urged Kim not to rely on political parties' stance, economic reasoning or bureaucratic minds. The union expressed its hopes for the labor minister nominee to pursue meaningful progress through social dialogue and consensus between workers, management and government.
Asahi Shimbun
02-05-2025
- Business
- Asahi Shimbun
South Korea's acting president says to ensure stability until election
Several workers from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) attend a May Day rally in Seoul on May 1. (REUTERS) SEOUL--South Korea's third acting president in five months Lee Ju-ho said on Friday he will ensure stable government ahead of a June 3 presidential election, following the quick-fire resignations of the prime minister and finance minister. Hours earlier, Education Minister Lee took over as acting leader, thrusting him into the job of shepherding Asia's fourth-largest economy through the political turmoil triggered by a martial law attempt last year by ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol and the impact of sweeping U.S. tariffs. Lee pledged to work closely with the cabinet and opposition-led parliament which impeached Yoon in December, and to try to stabilize the government. 'I will try my best to ensure government functions are managed stably,' he told reporters. Lee later chaired an unscheduled National Security Council meeting and called for a posture of 'unwavering readiness' in case of possible aggression from neighboring North Korea. Financial markets were preparing for further uncertainty in early trading as authorities vowed to quell any immediate fallout from the resignations of key policymakers, pledging to minimize the impact and maintain round-the-clock monitoring. The South Korean won weakened as much as 0.8% to 1,438.5 per dollar in early trade, its biggest loss since March 19, while the benchmark KOSPI stock index slipped 0.3%. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had been serving as acting president before stepping down a day earlier, announced his entry into the presidential race on Friday, hoping to leverage his higher profile after a spell in the leadership role. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok had been set to assume the position of acting president by law before a snap election on June 3 to elect a new leader, but he abruptly quit just before midnight on Thursday. Choi, who has played a leading role in the response to U.S. tariffs, apologised in a statement for not being able to continue his work while the country faces severe economic conditions at home and abroad. The finance minister resigned just before midnight on Thursday as parliament was voting to impeach him over his earlier refusal as acting president to appoint a Constitutional Court judge. The resignation raises questions about the oversight of South Korea's discussions with Washington on looming new tariffs. South Korea's central bank cautioned that U.S. tariffs added to the uncertainty over the path of the inflation rate, which it said was expected to remain around 2% for the time being. The Asian country, which had been considered one of the most powerful success stories of democratic resilience, has faced months of political turmoil since Yoon's ill-fated attempt to declare martial law late last year. Adding to the precarity, a court ruling on Thursday cast doubt on the liberal election frontrunner Lee Jae-myung's eligibility to run for the presidency. The Supreme Court overturned an earlier ruling that had cleared Lee, saying he had violated election law by publicly making 'false statements' during his 2022 presidential bid. It sent the case back to the appeals court and ordered it to issue a new sentence, which could bar Lee from running for office for up to five years. In addition, the candidacy of Han Duck-soo, the former prime minister, has the potential to impact the conservative People Power Party's chance of retaining the presidency, potentially splitting a field that polls show is already far behind Lee. A Gallup Korea survey on April 25 showed that Lee Jae-myung was the favorite to win next month's election with 38%, while former head of the conservative People Power Party (PPP) Han Dong-hoon had 8% and Han Duck-soo was on 6%.
Hindustan Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Int'l Labour Day: Huge rally in S. Korea with calls to increase workers' pay
South Korean workers rallied in central Seoul on Thursday (May 1) to mark International Workers' Day, calling for stronger labour rights. The rally, led by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), drew participants who waved flags, held placards, and chanted slogans. Watch here.
