"Unpaid Leave Due to COVID-19?" … Seoul City Supports Relief for Vulnerable Workers

Deployment of Labor Consultants and Lawyers for Consultation to Litigation Representation
Guidance on Employer Benefits Including Employment Retention Support for Small Businesses

Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a temporary closure notice is posted at a restaurant in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 4th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] On the 13th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will operate a 'Labor Rights Task Force' to support vulnerable workers who are being unfairly treated due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

This is a one-stop dedicated support system where experts such as certified labor attorneys and lawyers provide consultations for workers affected by COVID-19, propose customized relief measures, and, if necessary, represent them in lawsuits.

When a worker who has suffered damage calls the 120 Dasan Call Center to request a consultation, a dedicated counselor will guide the worker through the relief procedures and suggest follow-up measures on a one-on-one basis. For simple consultations, immediate answers may be provided. The consultations will focus on issues such as unpaid leave allowances due to COVID-19, unilateral contract termination, and forced unpaid leave.

If a worker with a monthly average salary of 2.8 million KRW or less, or a basic livelihood security recipient or near-poverty class worker, needs to file a complaint or claim due to wage arrears or unpaid leave allowances, a 'Labor Rights Protection Officer' composed of labor attorneys and lawyers will represent them in lawsuits. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will cover legal fees ranging from 300,000 to 2 million KRW.

In addition, the 'Seoul Labor Rights Center' provides assistance for all unfair workplace issues, including COVID-19-related damages such as minimum wage violations, wage arrears, unfair dismissal, industrial accidents, and discrimination against non-regular workers. Although in-person consultations are temporarily suspended, resident labor attorneys provide consultation and guidance on relief procedures through the website (www.labors.or.kr) and phone (376-0001).

Prior to this, since the 5th, Seoul has been conducting psychological counseling for workers exposed to severe stress such as depression and pressure caused by the spread of COVID-19.

For small-scale businesses with fewer than 10 employees, the 'Seoul Village Labor Attorney' visits directly to inform employers about benefits they can receive, such as employment retention subsidies, family care leave pay, and paid leave support, and also assists with administrative procedures such as preparing necessary documents.

Seoul plans to distribute 'COVID-19 Overcoming Support Measures for Workers and Employers' leaflets at citizen contact points such as labor-related facilities and district office civil service centers to ensure that workers and self-employed individuals do not miss out on various support policies due to lack of information, and will actively promote these measures online as well.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.