Ministry of Employment Establishes 'Mijojik Geunroja Jiwongwa' to Support Vulnerable Non-Union Workers

by Jo Youjin

Published 09 Jun.2024 12:00(KST)

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering the policy speech related to the 2024 budget proposal at the National Assembly plenary session on the morning of the 31st. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The Ministry of Employment and Labor will establish a new department called the "Unorganized Workers Support Division" to assist 'unorganized workers' who are not members of labor unions.

On the 9th, the Ministry announced that it will create the Unorganized Workers Support Division as a subordinate organization within the Labor Policy Office. This move aims to systematically support non-regular workers who find it difficult to join labor unions. It is a follow-up measure to President Yoon Seok-yeol's directive during the livelihood discussion follow-up meeting in April, instructing the state to directly oversee the enhancement of rights for unorganized workers.

The Unorganized Workers Support Division plans to perform functions such as protecting rights, representing interests through participation and communication, and supporting dispute resolution by reflecting the voices of vulnerable workers, based on delivery systems like the "Workers Connection Center" and "Shelters" for platform workers.

The Workers Connection Center is a place where workers who have had difficulty joining unions, such as delivery, substitute driving, and courier workers, can receive free labor law consultations and education. Currently, six centers operate nationwide, including in Seoul's Gasan Digital Complex, Daegu, Busan, Pyeongtaek, Cheongju, and Gwangju.

Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jeong-sik stated, "We aim to build a complementary system where the state acts as the protector and supporter for vulnerable workers who are not sufficiently protected under existing labor relations laws." He added, "Since the voices of vulnerable workers on the ground are significant, we will collaborate with related ministries to resolve practical difficulties through policy and financial support."