Businesses promised to make efforts to maintain employment levels. The local government pledged proactive assistance by raising funds locally for mutual benefit and by subsidizing premiums to encourage less-than-profitable businesses to sign their workers up for employment insurance. The COVID-19 outbreak has caused local economies to face immense difficulties and raised employment instability. Under these circumstances, these groups demonstrated, through a social promise, their willingness to share burdens and prevail over hardships together.

Their action is very meaningful as job protection has become a linchpin for overcoming this economic crisis. I extend my respect and gratitude to all the actors in the local economy who joined in the declaration. 

Jeonju has always been at the forefront of the response to COVID-19. I hope that Jeonju’s declaration of “a layoff-free city” for mutual benefit will be emulated across the country just as the Good Landlord Campaign, which also started in Jeonju, expanded into a nationwide movement. 

Jobs equal the economy and our lives. They are not only matters concerning businesses and workers but are also tied to the local and national economies as a whole. I hope that all the economic stakeholders will join hands and come together to protect jobs with a willingness to make mutual concessions. The Government will fulfill its role for its part.