Korean Confederation of Trade Unions: “President Lee disparages migrant workers as ‘remittance machines’… apologize.”

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Hyewon Han = On the 28th, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) demanded an apology for President Lee Jae-myung's remarks regarding migrant workers, saying, "These are hateful remarks that disparaged migrant workers as 'remittance machines' and justified discrimination."

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions said in a statement that day, “President Lee’s remarks stem from ignorance that directly distorts statistics and reality.”

While discussing public jobs at a Cabinet meeting the day before, President Lee said, "We have to make a living regardless of agriculture, forestry, livestock, and fishing. Bringing in foreign workers to do the work will not help the national economy much because all (wages) are remitted."

In response, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions said, “The economic value created by migrant workers amounts to tens of trillions of won, and a significant portion of their wages are spent on food, housing, and living expenses in Korea, supporting the stagnant local economy,” and added, “The perception coming from the president’s mouth is so devastating that it is hard to believe.”

At the same time, he argued, "The labeling of some amounts that are legitimately earned in return for labor and remitted to the home country as 'not helpful to the national economy' is a clear statement of error and clearly reveals the discriminatory perception of migrant workers."

Regarding the fact that President Lee pointed out that his remarks were distorted in media reports, they pointed out, "Before blaming the media reports, the president should first sincerely apologize to migrant workers for the discriminatory remarks he made."

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions said, "The task that the government must solve is to eliminate structural discrimination and human rights violations against migrant workers and guarantee labor rights," and urged, "Implement practical human rights measures for migrant workers, such as guaranteeing freedom of movement at work, preparing measures for non-payment of wages and industrial accident deaths, and guaranteeing humane housing rights."