Amid Samsung strike controversy, Lee Jae-myung says, "There are no workers without companies, and no companies without workers."

Input: 2026-05-01 10:23:50

Updated: 2026-05-01 10:23:50

President Lee Jae-myung delivers a commemorative speech at the 2026 Labor Day ceremony held at the Blue House State Guest House on the 1st.

News1 President Lee Jae-myung shakes hands with Yang Kyung-soo, Chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), at the 2026 Labor Day ceremony held at the Blue House State Guest House on the 1st. News1 [Financial News] President Lee Jae-myung stated on the 1st, "There are no workers without companies, and no companies without workers.

" Amidst the continuing controversy surrounding the Samsung Electronics labor union's announced general strike, a message was issued to pave the way for mutual growth where labor and business move forward together. ■ "Must Break the Pro-Labor, Anti-Business Dichotomy" Amid Samsung Strike Controversy In his commemorative address at the 2026 Labor Day ceremony held at the Blue House on this day, President Lee stated, "A society that respects labor and a country that is good for doing business are not incompatible.

" President Lee emphasized, "Only when we break the outdated dichotomy that 'pro-labor is anti-business' and 'pro-business is anti-labor' can we finally move toward a better future. " He continued, "Respect for labor is not a matter of consideration or charity," adding, "Growth without labor is merely half-baked and can never be sustainable.

" He further stated, "Growth with labor is precisely growth with a future," and declared, "I will create an ecosystem of mutual growth where labor and management can respect each other and engage in dialogue. " He also [added] "True growth where labor and business, fairness and innovation, and growth and distribution form a virtuous cycle.

" "I will definitely make it happen," he added. President Lee's remarks on this day are drawing attention as they serve as a Labor Day message while also coinciding with the recent announcement of a general strike by the Samsung Electronics labor union.

It was previously reported that the Blue House had drafted a report regarding the Samsung Electronics strike, and the Blue House explained this as "a routine reporting procedure related to social issues. " President Lee also stated at a meeting of senior aides the previous day, "If some organized workers make excessive or unfair demands solely for their own survival and face public condemnation, it will cause harm not only to the union in question but also to other workers.

" However, the Blue House explained that these remarks were not aimed at a specific company but were a principled statement emphasizing coexistence and cooperation among workers, employers, and the public. ■ "Growth without a future for workers is not true growth" President Lee also emphasized the significance of Labor Day.

"We have gathered here today to honor the sweat, dedication, and value of labor of workers on Labor Day, which has regained its name after 63 years," he said. "I convey my respect and gratitude to all workers, who are the subjects of production, the core driving force of economic growth, and the main actors in the development of the Republic of Korea.

" He also mentioned his own days as a child worker. President Lee stated, "I, too, worked as a child worker in a factory during my childhood," adding, "Being able to protect my family with the sweat I shed while working was a great comfort to me and the strength that made me who I am today.

" He continued, "I was a child worker, and I am still proud of that worker's name," stating, "That is why today, having regained its name as 'Labor Day' rather than 'Workers' Day,' feels even more special to me. " The event venue was decorated with an emerald green color, representing life, to express the vitality of labor.

President Lee attended the event wearing a navy suit and a tie mixed with emerald, sky blue, and ivory tones, matching the color scheme of the venue.

He also addressed changes in the labor environment resulting from the great transformation of AI.

President Lee stated, "Artificial intelligence is shaking up the industrial landscape and changing the way we work, while the climate crisis is also reshaping the standards of national competitiveness," adding, "The prevailing view is that machines and artificial intelligence will replace the majority of human labor as technology advances.

" However, President Lee emphasized, "We must not force unilateral sacrifices upon workers solely for the sake of productivity improvement," and stressed, "Growth without a future for workers, who constitute the majority of the population, cannot be called true growth.

" On the occasion of Labor Day, President Lee also presented three pledges.

He began by stating, "I will never concede or compromise on workplace safety," adding, "I will certainly create a normal country where workers do not have to risk their lives.

" He continued, "I will ensure that all workers can enjoy fundamental labor rights," noting that "the magnitude of rights should not differ simply because of differences in employment type or working methods.

" The policy outlines a commitment to ensure there are no blind spots in protection, covering regular and irregular workers, prime contractors and subcontractors, and platform workers and freelancers alike.

President Lee stated, "Today's dialogue must continue," adding, "I will translate the discussions shared here into changes in the workplace and policies that transform the lives of the people.

" President Lee Jae-myung delivers a commemorative speech at the Labor Day ceremony held at the Blue House State Guest House on the 1st.

This marks the first time in history that the Blue House has hosted a Labor Day ceremony.

Yonhap News

west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter

· This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.

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