President Lee: 'Labor Day' name change is personal; workers' rights are key to growth

President Lee Jae-myung marked Labor Day with a powerful address, underscoring the fundamental importance of respecting labor for genuine and sustainable economic growth. Speaking at the first-ever Labor Day ceremony hosted by the Presidential Office, he declared that growth achieved at the expense of workers is inherently flawed and unsustainable. His personal connection to the cause, having been a "boy laborer" himself, lent a profound sincerity to his message, as he embraced the newly restored name "Labor Day" with pride and a sense of justice.

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Labor respect is not merely a matter of consideration or charity. Growth without labor is only half-complete and cannot be sustained.

The President articulated a vision where labor is not merely a factor of production but a cornerstone of economic prosperity. He asserted that in an era of rapid technological change and climate crisis, the focus on productivity must not come at the cost of workers' well-being. He stressed that the economy's strength lies in its workers, who drive production and consumption, and that their future must be secured for true growth to be realized. This perspective resonates deeply within South Korea, where the narrative of overcoming hardship through diligent labor is a powerful cultural touchstone.

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As a former boy laborer, I feel a profound sense of duty to respond to the voices of laborers with immense responsibility.

A central theme of his speech was an unwavering commitment to workplace safety. President Lee vowed to build a nation where no worker has to risk their life, framing safety not as a cost but as a fundamental duty of the state and corporations. Furthermore, he pledged to uphold the labor rights of all individuals, irrespective of their employment status, ensuring that contract workers, subcontractors, and freelancers are treated with fairness and are not excluded from protection. This inclusive approach reflects a growing awareness in South Korea of the diverse and often precarious nature of modern employment.

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We must not force unilateral sacrifices on workers solely for the sake of productivity improvement.

President Lee also called for an end to the outdated dichotomy of "pro-labor versus pro-business," advocating instead for a symbiotic relationship. He aims to foster an ecosystem where labor and management engage in mutual respect and dialogue, leading to a virtuous cycle of "true growth" that balances labor, business, fairness, innovation, and distribution. This forward-looking vision, presented on a day dedicated to celebrating the contributions of workers, signals a new chapter in South Korea's labor relations, one that prioritizes collaboration and shared prosperity.

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I will definitely create a country where workers do not have to risk death.