Gov't vows to push for own labor reform bill

SEJONG, Sept. 11 (Yonhap) -- The government will push for an independent labor reform bill following the breakdown of related talks, the top economic policymaker said Friday. Finance Minister Choi Kyung-hwan said in a press conference held in Sejong that the inability of labor and management to find middle ground made it imperative for the government to take the initiative. He said that the government will work with the ruling Saenuri Party starting next week to iron out the bill. Choi, who doubles as deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs, said the government-Saenuri bill will include measures that will make it easier to dismiss under-performing workers, allowing companies to change the rules of employment and make it possible to introduce the wage peak system He also stressed the need for greater cooperation between management and labor, and that unions must put an end to engaging in disruptive walkouts in demand of wage hikes. yonngong@yna.co.kr (END)