"Introduction of Foreign Domestic Workers? Where Do Middle-Aged Women Work?"

Choi Young-mi, Chairperson of the Care Union, CBS Interview
"Foreign Workers Are a Supplementary Measure, Not the Main One"

Choi Young-mi, Chairperson of the Domestic Worker Union, opposed the government's plan to introduce foreign domestic workers, stating that it cannot be a solution to women's career interruptions and low birthrate issues.

In an interview on June 1st with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Chairperson Choi said, "There are already many measures such as reduced working hours, democratic workplaces, family culture, and expanded parental leave, so it is difficult to understand why the issue of foreign domestic workers is being raised."

Chairperson Choi pointed out that if the introduction of foreign domestic workers is implemented, jobs for middle-aged domestic workers will decrease. She said, "Our country will enter a super-aged society the year after next. The population aged 65 and over will exceed 20%, and the number of job seekers among women in their 60s is also increasing significantly. Where will these people be able to work?"

On the morning of the 31st, at the Royal Hotel Seoul, individuals and representatives of organizations condemning the public hearing related to the pilot project for introducing foreign domestic workers are holding placards. 20230731
[Photo by Yonhap News]

She continued, "What we need to discuss in our country is how to stably expand jobs for retirees and middle-aged and older workers in the face of a declining working-age population and a super-aged society. Policies should focus on this."

She added, "The introduction of all foreign labor should occur only when there is a genuine shortage of domestic workers. It should be a supplementary measure, not a leading one," emphasizing, "Now is the time to proactively review, expand, and stabilize jobs for domestic workers."

Regarding the shortage of domestic workers in Korea, Chairperson Choi stressed the need for awareness improvement, saying, "First, the perception is very negative, and whether working for five years or ten years, wages remain at the minimum wage level. In reality, after deducting all sorts of costs, it does not even reach the minimum wage."

She added, "The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family provides childcare services, but these need to be expanded further. Parents should be able to rush to their children when they suddenly fall ill. The state must take responsibility for filling these gaps not only for workplaces but also for self-employed individuals."

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