Seoul City Expands Free Support for Low-Wage Workers with 65 'Labor Rights Protection Officers'

Certified Labor Attorneys and Lawyers Provide Close Assistance for Wage Arrears, Unfair Dismissal, Industrial Accidents
Consultation, Procedure Guidance, and Administrative Litigation for Workers Earning Under 2.8 Million KRW Monthly

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] # Mr. A, a building security guard working 24-hour shifts, was unable to properly rest during the break times specified in his labor contract and frequently experienced conflicts with residents over parking issues, causing him severe stress. One day during a holiday, he lost consciousness and collapsed, later being diagnosed with a cerebral infarction. However, the security company refused to apply for industrial accident compensation, claiming the incident occurred outside the workplace. Facing overwhelming medical expenses, Mr. A learned about the Labor Rights Protection Officer and, after more than a year of relief procedures, was recognized for industrial accident compensation and received treatment costs and leave allowances.

On the 27th, Seoul City announced that it will increase the number of 'Labor Rights Protection Officers,' who provide free support from consultation to petitions and litigation representation for workers earning less than 2.8 million KRW per month and who have suffered unfair treatment at work, from the current 50 to 65.

The Labor Rights Protection Officers are a group of experts composed of certified labor attorneys and lawyers who provide customized legal support free of charge, including consultations related to wage arrears, unfair dismissal, unfair disciplinary actions, industrial accidents, and more for vulnerable workers, as well as litigation representation and follow-up management.

As a practical support measure to protect workers' rights, Seoul City first appointed and operated Labor Rights Protection Officers with a two-year term in 2016, the first among local governments. The first term had 40 officers, and the second term (2018) had 50 officers, who have completed nearly 600 cases of relief and support to date.

Workers who have suffered unfair treatment at work can currently apply for consultation and rights relief support at the nearest 'Seoul Labor Rights Center' or 'Comprehensive Worker Support Centers' (located in 16 autonomous districts). Depending on the worker's situation, if necessary, the Labor Rights Protection Officer supports legal procedures such as filing petitions with the Labor Office, claims, applications for relief at the Labor Relations Commission, and litigation support to help workers reclaim their legal rights.

The costs associated with lawyers and others (300,000 to 2,000,000 KRW) are covered by Seoul City. The support targets workers earning less than 2.8 million KRW per month or those who are basic livelihood security recipients or belong to the lower-income bracket.

The 65 newly appointed Labor Rights Protection Officers were organized in connection with the Seoul Labor Rights Center and the 16 Comprehensive Worker Support Centers to ensure that busy workers can receive consultation and rights relief support nearby.

Seoul City has also recently formed a 'COVID-19 Affected Workers Dedicated Labor Rights Task Force' to provide one-stop support for issues such as unpaid leave, forced vacations, unpaid leave allowances, and unfair dismissal amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

Park Dong-seok, Seoul City's Labor Policy Officer, said, "We have increased the number of Labor Rights Protection Officers to quickly resolve and systematically support the increasing rights violations of vulnerable workers every year. We will focus on providing intensive support so that workers who work hard despite low wages do not suffer unfair treatment at their workplaces."

For more information, contact the nearest district Comprehensive Worker Support Center, the 120 Dasan Call Center, or the Seoul Labor Rights Center (02-376-0001).

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