Join hands to fight virus

Tripartite declaration should be supported by actions

Unions, management and the government have agreed to cooperate to tide over the crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak. on Friday, the Economic, Social and Labor Council, a tripartite body for social dialogue under direct presidential control, announced that the three would join forces to share the economic and social pain triggered by COVID-19.

The unions will refrain from holding massive rallies for the time being and readjust the timing for their wage negotiations and collective bargaining. Management will endeavor to retain employees through shorter working hours and leave of absence rather than layoffs, and take measures to support the livelihoods of workers who are self-quarantining at home. The government will expand subsidies for employers that will maintain employment despite any temporary suspension of operations, and provide other incentives for them.

It is welcome news that unions and management, which have bickered over how to shorten working hours and implement the flexible work system, agreed on action plans to help the nation cope with the looming crisis through win-win partnerships and cooperation.

As the novel virus spreads rapidly nationwide, the country's economic woes are going from bad to worse. Trade has been hit especially hard as nine out of the top 10 export destinations except for the United States have imposed entry bans or strengthened quarantine measures on travelers from Korea. More than 6,000 businesses have applied for subsidies given to help them retain workers. It is fortunate indeed that the unions and management have agreed to cooperate to prevent massive layoffs at this crunch time.

The tripartite agreement is not without problems, however. To begin with, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the bigger umbrella labor group that is absent from the Economic, Social and Labor Council, has not joined the declaration. Another concern is that the declaration might end up as an empty slogan if it is not supported by actions. Unions and management should remember that actions speak louder than words.