[Reporter’s Notebook] The 'Zero Non-Regular Workers' Policy That Went Wrong from the Start

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The supplementary survey on employment types released by Statistics Korea on the 26th revealed that the number of non-regular workers in South Korea has exceeded 8 million for the first time, clearly showing that the current government's employment policies were flawed from the very beginning. The number of non-regular workers increased by 640,000 from last year, reaching 8,066,000. Additionally, the wage gap between regular and non-regular workers widened to a record high. The average monthly wage of non-regular workers was 1,769,000 KRW, showing a difference of more than 1,560,000 KRW compared to the 3,336,000 KRW earned by regular workers. This is the result of the employment policies implemented over the past four years by the Moon Jae-in administration, which proclaimed itself as a "job government."

This outcome was predictable from the start. The current government advocated for "zero" non-regular workers from its early days. It pressured public institutions to convert non-regular workers into regular employees. It was common for each institution to either directly hire or establish subsidiaries to convert non-regular workers into regular positions.

However, this actually had a negative impact on employment. Public institutions reduced new hires by the number of regular employees increased, and regular employees who went through a difficult hiring process opposed the conversion of non-regular workers to regular status, arguing it was unfair. This only fueled conflicts among the "lesser" parties.

The major policies pursued by the Moon Jae-in government were far from creating jobs. The 52-hour workweek system, which aimed for a "life with evenings," reduced working hours but contributed to a decrease in quality jobs. While income-led growth may have helped increase income for low-income groups, it failed to provide stable employment.

The government's direct involvement in creating jobs also contributed to the increase in non-regular workers. According to the supplementary survey, non-regular workers in the health and social welfare service sector, which includes public elderly job programs lasting around six months, increased by 228,000. Meanwhile, the Minister of Employment and Labor even found himself pleading with private company officials to increase open recruitment for youth.

The suggested solution is obvious: loosen restrictions so companies can hire more people. However, the government continues to ignore this. By next year, when the administration ends, the results will be even worse.