“[First labour day in 63 years to regain its name] Unions call for protection of all workers”, 1 May 2026

On 1 May, the first day the former “Deligent Workers’ Day” was officially restored as “Labour Day” and designated as a public holiday in 63 years, the two major umbrella trade union federations jointly called for a stronger government role in protecting all workers, including those who are unable to take the day off.

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Both federations attended the “Labour Day commemoration ceremony held together again” at the presidential reception hall in the Blue House on the morning of 1 May, where they urged the government to ensure protection for all working people. It was the first time the presidential office had hosted a Labour Day ceremony.

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In his keynote address, Kim Dong-myeong stated in relation to various labour issues that “we are not rejecting change, but rejecting change that excludes labour”, adding that “labour must not be the object of change but its subject, and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) will lead that change”.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) also emphasised demands for collective bargaining with principal contractors and the realisation of fundamental labour rights for all workers. It called for a general strike in July, full application of the Labour Standards Act to workplaces with fewer than five employees, recognition of worker status for special employment and platform workers, abolition of discrimination against non-regular workers, institutionalisation of cross-enterprise bargaining, and condemnation of imperialist wars of aggression. According to organisers, approximately 10,000 people participated in the Seoul rally and around 100,000 in nationwide demonstrations.