Petition for "Guaranteeing Rest Areas for Cleaning Workers"... Cheong Emphasizes Ensuring Enforcement of Related Laws

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] In response to the national petition demanding the mandatory provision of rest areas for cleaning workers, the Blue House stated that a related law amendment has been passed in the National Assembly, and the government will ensure enforcement to establish the amended law in the field.

On the 17th, the Blue House announced, "We are responding to the national petition for the mandatory provision of rest areas for cleaning workers."

This petition, which called for the mandatory establishment of practical rest areas equipped with heating, cooling, ventilation, and convenience facilities, was supported by 232,000 people.

The Blue House said, "Recently, the National Assembly passed the 'Partial Amendment to the Industrial Safety and Health Act,' which introduces penalties (fines) related to the installation of rest facilities," adding, "To implement the amended law, the government will promptly prepare the scope of employers obligated to install such facilities and the standards for installation and management of rest facilities through subordinate legislation such as presidential decrees."

It also stated, "The subordinate legislation will propose reasonable standards through research projects, comprehensively considering foreign cases such as Germany and Japan, workplace rest facility installation and operation guides, and opinions from labor-management organizations," and added, "Necessary measures to secure enforcement, such as promoting the system and supervision, will be carried out without delay to ensure the amended law is established in the field in line with the law’s enforcement timing."

The Blue House expressed gratitude, saying, "We thank the cleaning workers who silently sweat every day under difficult working conditions with increased household waste due to the COVID-19 situation," and added, "This petition holds deeper meaning and resonates strongly as many citizens have united to improve the poor working environment of cleaning workers."

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