La Chambre
FKCCI Participates in Ministerial Dialogue on Revised Labor Law Ahead of March 10 Implementation
The French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) took part in a high-level meeting convened by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) ahead of the implementation of the revised Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act on March 10.
The meeting brought together Minister Kim Jung-kwan (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, MOTIE), Minister Kim Young-hoon (Ministry of Employment and Labor, MOEL), and representatives of seven major foreign chambers of commerce in Korea: AMCHAM, ECCK, KGCCI, FKCCI, BCCK, SJC and CCCK.
Addressing the Implementation of the “Yellow Envelope Bill”
The discussion focused on the upcoming enforcement of the revised law, commonly referred to as the “Yellow Envelope Bill.” The amendment is designed to expand bargaining rights for indirectly employed and subcontracted workers and to limit damage claims or provisional seizures against unionized workers.
Minister Kim Jung-kwan explained that both ministries have jointly prepared interpretation guidelines to reduce uncertainty in labor-management relations and ensure a smooth transition. He announced the creation of a dedicated hotline for foreign-invested companies to address labor-related concerns and reinforce communication channels.
Minister Kim Young-hoon underlined that the reform aims to promote dialogue between management and labor while strengthening the sustainability of Korea’s industrial ecosystem. He emphasized that improving predictability at worksites is a top priority and that policies will be implemented in a way that balances business activities and the protection of workers’ rights.
Listening to Foreign Business Representatives
During the meeting, foreign chambers presented practical concerns and recommendations regarding the law’s application, particularly in relation to subcontracting structures and negotiation procedures.
The government stated that it will carefully review business feedback and reflect it, as much as possible, in the implementation process. Both ministries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to enhance industrial competitiveness and provide a stable environment for corporate activity.
As one of Korea’s leading foreign chambers, representing 475 member companies, the FKCCI continues to engage in constructive dialogue with Korean authorities to ensure that reforms are clearly understood and implemented in a predictable and business-friendly manner, while supporting sustainable industrial relations.
