40% of Disaster Essential Worker Support Committee Members Are Non-Governmental Personnel

Legislative Notice on the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Designation of Essential Work and Protection and Support for Workers

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[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that it has publicly notified a draft enforcement decree related to the formation of a committee to designate essential workers in medical care, caregiving, logistics, transportation, and other essential tasks during disaster situations such as COVID-19, and to support them. The draft stipulates detailed provisions of the Essential Workers Act, which will take effect on November 19. At least 40% of the committee members will be non-governmental personnel, with the committee chairperson appointed by the Minister of Employment and Labor, and the vice-chairperson appointed by a person designated by the Minister.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor publicly notified the "Enforcement Decree on the Designation of Essential Work and Protection and Support of Workers" containing these details on the 26th. Opinions from stakeholders will be collected until October 5.

First, the draft includes that the chairperson will be the Minister of Employment and Labor, and the vice-chairperson will be among the committee members from relevant central administrative agencies, designated by the chairperson. At least 40% of the total committee members must be non-civil servants, such as those recommended by labor and management organizations and experts. Committee members are appointed by central ministries including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Environment, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. If necessary, attendance at meetings by relevant public officials and private experts can be requested, and submission of materials by heads of related organizations can be required.

The working-level committee, which pre-negotiates and coordinates matters for the main committee, will be composed of no more than 30 members. It will include senior public officials from the Ministry of Employment and Labor (chairperson), representatives from central administrative agencies, a consultative body of local government heads, and persons recommended by labor and management organizations and experts.

Additionally, the draft includes provisions to conduct an annual regular survey to promptly designate essential workers in the event of a disaster, and to entrust this task to specialized institutions.

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