Jeongeup City Selected for "Mobile Workers' Rest Area" Contest

Building a Cooperative Model Using Cafes and Convenience Stores

Provided by Jeongeup City

Jeongeup City has been selected for the Ministry of Employment and Labor's public contest to support workplace improvements for vulnerable workers, securing 24.5 million won in national funding. The city will use this to establish practical rest areas for mobile workers by utilizing existing private businesses such as cafes and convenience stores within its jurisdiction.

This rest area project is particularly significant because, unlike the conventional fixed-base rest areas that involve renting separate offices, it is a private sector cooperative model that actively reflects the actual work routes and living areas of mobile workers.

By designating accessible local commercial establishments as rest areas, Jeongeup City plans to provide a more convenient environment for mobile workers—such as delivery workers, substitute drivers, and courier drivers—who work long hours outdoors, allowing them to take breaks and escape extreme heat or cold.

In particular, this project is also recognized for going beyond simply guaranteeing workers' right to rest, as it lays the foundation for mutual cooperation with designated local small business owners and is expected to contribute to revitalizing the local economy.

To further encourage use of the rest areas and to raise safety awareness, the city will provide a prepaid card worth 60,000 won to mobile workers who complete a required safety training course, allowing them to freely use the designated rest areas and maximizing the effectiveness of practical rest support.

Additionally, the city is meticulously providing in-depth counseling and support services for the protection of vulnerable workers' rights. Free labor counseling and legal support are currently offered through the Non-Regular Workers Support Center located on the third floor of the Jeongeup City Workers’ Welfare Center, and administrative resources are being focused on establishing an on-site support system to improve working conditions.

Lee Haksoo, Mayor of Jeongeup City, stated, "Being selected for this contest is very encouraging, as it lays a substantial foundation for guaranteeing the right to rest and improving the working conditions of vulnerable workers in difficult environments." He added, "Jeongeup City will continue to actively promote flawless private-sector cooperative rest area operations, striving for the coexistence of small businesses, worker protection, and local economic revitalization at the same time."

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