[Editorial] "We must break the pro-labor vs. anti-business dichotomy"... Union restraint is a prerequisite

President Lee Jae-myung's address on Labor Day signals a crucial shift in the government's approach to labor relations, moving away from the traditional confrontational stance. By calling for an end to the 'pro-labor is anti-business' binary, he acknowledges the symbiotic relationship between workers and companies, a perspective long overdue in South Korea's industrial landscape.

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We must break the old dichotomy of 'pro-labor is anti-business' and 'pro-business is anti-labor' to move toward a better future.

His remarks, particularly the implicit criticism of unions making 'excessive and unreasonable demands,' resonate with a public increasingly fatigued by disruptive labor actions. The recent actions by some union groups, demanding exorbitant bonuses and threatening strikes, have indeed drawn public ire, overshadowing the legitimate concerns of the broader labor force. This government stance, while pragmatic, walks a fine line, seeking to balance worker rights with the need for stable business operations.

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There are no workers without businesses, and no businesses without workers.

From our perspective at Dong-A Ilbo, this emphasis on 'pragmatism' and 'coexistence' is vital. South Korea's economic competitiveness hinges on resolving its notoriously conflict-ridden labor-business relations. The recent implementation of the 'Yellow Envelope Law,' which expands collective bargaining rights, presents an opportunity for a new dynamic. However, as the President rightly points out, this requires a fundamental change not only in corporate attitudes but also in labor's approach, moving away from 'strike-centric' ideologies.

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If some organized laborers make excessive and unreasonable demands and are criticized by the public, it harms other laborers as well.

What makes this particularly significant from a South Korean viewpoint is the deep-seated historical context of labor movements and their often-militant tactics. Western media might focus on the 'right to strike,' but here, the debate is more nuanced, centering on the sustainability of such actions and their impact on national economic health. The President's call for 'common sense and rationality' in labor-business relations is not just policy; it's a plea for a more mature and sustainable path forward for our nation's economy.

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The government's 'pragmatic approach' of listening to labor demands while actively supporting business activities has been confirmed.