Gangbuk-gu Rolls Up Sleeves to Improve Apartment Security Guards' Human Rights

Survey on Working Conditions of Apartment Security Guards... Hope Gangbuk Human Rights Apartment Awareness Campaign... Establishment of Public Laborer Comprehensive Support Center, Amendment of Apartment Management Ordinance... Measures to Improve Worker Welfare

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gangbuk-gu (Mayor Park Kyum-soo) is implementing a comprehensive plan that includes measures to improve the working environment of security guards in apartment complexes and promote workers' human rights.

The main goal is to resolve the employment insecurity of security workers and foster a community culture of coexistence where labor and human rights are respected. Key elements include revising ordinances and establishing a district-run comprehensive support center for workers, focusing on vulnerable labor groups.

◇Survey on the Working Conditions of Apartment Security Guards, ‘Hope Gangbuk Human Rights Apartment’ Campaign

Following a tragic incident involving an apartment security guard in the area on the 10th, the district immediately formed a bereaved family support T/F team. At an emergency meeting held the same day, related departments collaborated to devise support measures and provided information on welfare programs available to the bereaved families.

Once applications are received, the district will provide welfare benefits such as emergency welfare funds, funeral expenses, and living expenses from the Community Chest of Korea, and will listen to the opinions of the bereaved families to provide necessary administrative support. For families suffering from psychological shock, mental health specialists from the district health center will offer emotional care to promote psychological stability.

Additionally, the district has launched an urgent survey on the working environment across all 60 apartment complexes. By early next month, it plans to review the overall working conditions of security guards, including security operation methods and provision of rest areas.

Considering that most security guards are dispatched workers, the survey focuses on shift work methods, conflicts and human rights violations involving residents and employment agencies.

The survey results are expected to be used as basic data for improving working conditions and raising residents' awareness. Cases of human rights violations against apartment workers will be shared during ethics training at the residents' representative meetings scheduled for the second half of the year. The district hopes that residents and security guards will recognize their mutual necessity as a community and that this will spread an atmosphere of respect for labor human rights.

Mayor Park Kyum-soo of Gangbuk-gu said, “Along with establishing systems to prevent and punish abuse of power, efforts and changes in awareness to improve the labor human rights of non-regular workers must accompany these measures. We will carry out an awareness campaign to spread the ‘Hope Gangbuk Human Rights Apartment’ where respect and consideration are shared.”

◇Establishment of District-Run Worker Support Center, Proposals for Amendments to Higher Laws, and Ordinance Revisions

Gangbuk-gu plans to establish a district-run comprehensive worker support center by 2021. The center will focus on vulnerable workers, including non-regular and disabled workers, who require social consideration and are in labor blind spots.

The center will provide integrated customized services to improve workers' quality of life and protect their rights. When various suspected cases of human rights violations and legal breaches occur at security guard workplaces, certified labor attorneys will offer consultations and support for rights protection. Psychological and emotional programs will also be operated to serve as a counseling center for those experiencing mental distress.

Furthermore, the center will engage in policy development for non-regular workers, including cultural welfare programs, and conduct education and preventive activities to protect labor rights. It will also strengthen the capabilities of socially vulnerable workers while linking job search activities and employment support through the Gangbuk-gu Job Plus Center.

In addition, the district plans to propose amendments to higher laws to the government and revise ordinances to enhance the human rights of security guards. Seoul’s autonomous districts have submitted an agenda to the Seoul Metropolitan Council of District Mayors to jointly request amendments to higher laws. The proposed agenda includes revisions to the Labor Standards Act and the Apartment Housing Management Act.

The amendment to the Labor Standards Act includes expanding the scope of employers under the ‘prohibition of workplace harassment’ clause. For apartment complexes, residents will be regarded as employers, and the law will be supplemented accordingly. The amendment to the Apartment Housing Management Act includes provisions requiring the management office to take protective measures and mandatorily report to the competent supervisory authority if human rights violations against workers occur.

Taking this incident as an opportunity, the district plans to revise the Gangbuk-gu Apartment Housing Management Ordinance, which stipulates efforts to guarantee the human rights and welfare of security guards. The revision will not be merely declarative but will explore ways to improve working conditions tailored to the district’s circumstances. The district expects that amendments to higher laws and ordinances will help alleviate the unequal employment relationships of non-regular dispatched workers and strengthen safety measures.

Mayor Park Kyum-soo of Gangbuk-gu said, “Before laws and systems, I hope that various interests and conflicts between security guards and residents will be democratically coordinated and resolved based on empathy and understanding. I look forward to a residential community culture of coexistence filled with consideration and trust in all apartment complexes in the area.”

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