[2022 National Audit] Cheongwadae Contracting Company Without Employment Rules "Promptly Complete Reporting"

Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation Unaware of Service Contract
"One Company Report Completed... Two Others Awaiting Approval" Explanation

On the 26th, when the interior of the Blue House main building was opened to the public, citizens who visited the Blue House in Jongno-gu, Seoul, lined up to tour the main building. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Among the four service companies responsible for managing the Blue House facilities, it was confirmed that three did not have employment rules in place. The Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, which handles the service contracts, explained, "We plan to complete the registration as soon as possible."

According to data from the Cultural Heritage Administration disclosed on the 5th by Lim Jong-seong, a member of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee (Democratic Party), three companies operating on-site personnel related to security, facility management, and guidance did not establish employment rules required under the Labor Standards Act. Employment rules are basic regulations that define the working relationship between employers and employees, including attendance, wages, and holidays. According to Article 93 of the Labor Standards Act, companies employing ten or more workers must prepare employment rules and report them to the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

In cases where facility management tasks are outsourced, as with the Blue House services, and regulations are violated, public institutions are also held accountable. This is because, under the "Guidelines for Protecting Working Conditions of Public Institution Contract Workers," public institutions must obtain a pledge to comply with working conditions, including the preparation of employment rules and the use of standard contracts. However, three service companies related to the Blue House failed to establish employment rules, and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation was unaware of this fact.

After realizing the situation belatedly, the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation stated, "One company recently completed the registration of employment rules, and the other two companies have submitted their registration documents and are awaiting approval from the labor inspector." They added, "We will improve the insufficient areas, including the management of service companies, to operate the Blue House more smoothly."