National Convenience Store Franchise Association "Minimum Wage Must Be Lowered... A Claim for Everyone's Livelihood"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] The National Convenience Store Franchise Association has called for a reduction in the minimum wage for 2021.

On the 2nd, the National Convenience Store Franchise Association stated in a press release, "We are absolutely opposed to any increase in the minimum wage during this unprecedented global emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic."

The association emphasized, "The current minimum wage of 8,590 KRW (a 2.87% increase compared to 2019) already reflects the government's recognition of the severe economic reality. Therefore, any claims for further minimum wage increases are simply unreasonable."

They added, "The labor sector has repeatedly demanded minimum wage increases over the years to support low-wage workers’ livelihoods. Over the past three years, the minimum wage has increased by 32%, but the damage was borne by minimum wage workers, while the beneficiaries were workers in more stable job sectors."

Furthermore, they noted that the minimum wage increase has resulted in the unintended consequence of an increase in ultra-short working hours (less than 15 hours), and that the labor sector’s goal of employment stability for vulnerable groups has instead backfired.

The National Convenience Store Franchise Association stated, "We call for a realistic minimum wage decision by acknowledging the current situation of workers spending time on the streets looking for part-time jobs," and added, "Our convenience store industry advocates for a minimum wage reduction so that everyone can survive."

Meanwhile, the Minimum Wage Commission held its 4th plenary meeting at the Government Seoul Office on the 1st and disclosed the initial minimum wage proposals for next year submitted by both the labor and employer sides. The labor side proposed 10,000 KRW, a 16.4% increase from this year’s minimum wage (8,590 KRW per hour), while the employer side proposed 8,410 KRW, a 2.1% decrease.

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