Gov. Lee Jae-myung: "We Must Fix the Reality of Pushing Workers into Dangerous Situations"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung strongly criticized industrial sites that push workers into dangerous situations.

Governor Lee posted an article titled "There Should Be No More Unjust Deaths" on his Facebook on the 20th.

In the post, Governor Lee said "We must fix industrial sites where workers are pushed into danger for the sake of profit, and the reality of illegal negligence" and "through the enactment of the Serious Accident Punishment Act for Corporations, introduction of punitive damages law, forfeiture of unjust gains from industrial accident risk negligence, increase in labor inspectors, and sharing of labor inspection functions with local governments to thoroughly monitor illegal worksites," he requested that the National Assembly enact these laws.

Following a eulogy for the 38 workers who lost their lives in the Icheon logistics warehouse fire, he pledged "I will not stand idle just because I lack authority at the moment. Starting with what I can do, and furthermore, through 'expansion of labor police' and 'securing labor police authority for local governments,' I will do my best to prevent foreseeable tragedies."

# "There Should Be No More Unjust Deaths"

We must fix industrial sites where workers are pushed into danger for the sake of profit, and the reality of tolerating illegality.

We must enact the Serious Accident Punishment Act for Corporations to impose severe penalties, introduce punitive damages law to deprive unjust gains obtained by neglecting industrial accident risks, and increase labor inspectors and share labor inspection functions with local governments to thoroughly audit illegal worksites.

At the funeral hall, I requested the Minister of Employment and Labor to share labor inspection authority.

I also request that the National Assembly enact laws for the Serious Accident Punishment Act for Corporations, punitive damages law, and recognition of special labor police authority for local governments.

[Eulogy]

First, I pray for the souls of 38 workers who unjustly passed away at the labor site. I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones and to fellow workers at the site who grieve as if it were their own tragedy.

It happened just before Labor Day. On the eve of a day commemorating the labor movement that fought for workers' rights and dignified lives, 38 workers have departed this world.

We all know the cause of this disaster all too well.

The poor working conditions at the labor site where even minimum safety measures did not function, and the practice of tolerating dangerous illegal work by using insufficient systems and shortage of personnel as an excuse—this is clearly a man-made disaster.

As long as the profits gained from illegality are guaranteed to be greater than the penalties or responsibilities incurred by illegality, tragedies will be repeated. In a situation where construction cost savings exceed the value of human life, it is inevitable that human lives are sacrificed for profit.

We must change the culture that values money over human life. When serious accidents occur, responsibility should not be placed on workers but on business establishments and business owners. Responsibility must be held strictly through rigorous criminal liability and punitive damages. Only then can we prevent further tragedies.

I will not stand idle just because I lack authority at the moment. Starting with what I can do, and furthermore, through 'expansion of labor police' and 'securing labor police authority for local governments,' I will do my best to prevent foreseeable tragedies.

Creating a world where labor is respected, a world where workers' lives are respected, and a world where human life takes precedence over business profits—I believe that is the responsibility and mission of those of us who remain. I will create a fair and safe Gyeonggi Province where no one can gain profits by threatening lives through illegality.

I will deeply etch today's sorrow in my heart and fulfill the responsibilities and roles given to me.

So, I pray that you may rest in peace comforted by families, colleagues, and the people of Gyeonggi Province.

June 20, 2020

Governor of Gyeonggi Province Lee Jae-myung