---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 04:39:19 -0800 From: Tom Walker <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: Forum on Labor in the Global Economy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: IMF Bears Soul from http://www.kctu.org/news8.htm The 'historic' meeting began with an explanation by Mr. Camdessus that the urgency of the situation when he was last in Korea prevented him from meeting with labour leaders, but one of the specific purposes of the current visit was to hold dialogue with the labour. He went on to promise to direct the permanent mission to be set up in Korea and the quarterly programme review missions to maintain constant contact with the labour in future. On being asked by the KCTU leaders whether it was the official position of the IMF to require the Korean government to introduce a law to remove all regulations on dismissals for managerial or operational reasons, Mr. Camdessus categorically denied that it was the official IMF condition. Mr. Camdessus expressed that the Korean government may perceive and may have adopted the view that the introduction of such a legislative measure was necessary to attract foreign investment. This may stem from a lack of general understanding of the labour market situation in Korea, he explained. He went on to state that it is not widely known that over 43% of the workforce in Korea were working as temporary employees. Furthermore, he explained, few international investors know that 'dismissal for managerial reason' was possible in Korea on the basis of a Supreme Court precedence which has the same effect as a law. He expressed concern that in November alone more than 100,000 people were laid off, and stated, while a legislative provision may create more transparency and clarity to attract foreign investors, legal freedom to dismiss workers was not the whole solution. Mr Camdessus stated the whole solution lies with meaningful tripartite social consultation and agreement. He shared his view with the KCTU leaders that there cannot be any real solution to the crisis that is not founded on the tripartite process. He stressed the importance of tripartite process capable of continuous production of necessary agreements for social consensus and policy measures. He expressed his belief that the participation and agreement of all social actors was the most effective way to enhance international confidence and attract foreign investment. Regards, Tom Walker ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Know Ware Communications Vancouver, B.C., CANADA [EMAIL PROTECTED] (604) 688-8296 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The TimeWork Web: http://www.vcn.bc.ca/timework/
