Labor Reform Special Committee of the Democratic Party to Push for Party Resolution Adoption of the Fair Recruitment Act at the General Assembly

"Application of Labor Standards Act to Workplaces with Fewer Than 5 Employees
Promotion of Win-Win Cooperation Between Primary and Subcontractors Will Also Be Pursued"

The ruling party plans to adopt the revised 'Fair Employment Act' as a party resolution as early as tomorrow after gathering public opinion. Measures such as applying the Labor Standards Act to workplaces with fewer than five employees and expanding welfare for subcontracting companies will also be gradually pursued to improve the dual structure of the labor market.

Im Eija, chairperson of the People Power Party's Special Committee on Labor Reform, stated at the third meeting held at the National Assembly on the 16th, "I explained that we intend to adopt the opinions collected on the Fair Employment Act up to the second meeting as a party resolution." The People Power Party will hold a party meeting at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 17th to discuss contentious bills.

Im added, "Everyone said it was 'good,' but there were opinions that the health-related items concerning sensitive information were excessive," and said, "I will mention this at the party meeting, and it will probably be decided as a party resolution tomorrow."

The Fair Employment Act has been a task that the party's Labor Reform Special Committee decided to pursue from the beginning, containing provisions to strengthen penalties for hiring corruption and solicitations under the current Hiring Procedure Act. Earlier, President Yoon Suk-yeol also stated at the Cabinet meeting that morning, "Illegal collective agreements such as employment inheritance that deprive future generations of opportunities will be corrected, and a revised Fair Employment Act to abolish inherited vested interests will be introduced."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, the Labor Reform Special Committee discussed the issue of improving the dual structure of the labor market at the meeting that day. Im said, "The People Power Party and the Ministry of Employment and Labor have agreed to prepare a comprehensive plan encompassing labor, industry, and welfare policies by June to resolve the urgent issue of the dual labor market."

Im explained, "We urged strengthening win-win cooperation to resolve deficits between primary and subcontractors and discussed enhancing protection for vulnerable workers in the labor market." She added, "There is a project conducted by organizations engaged in labor welfare businesses that contribute to a joint fund to reduce welfare gaps between large and small businesses. Currently, this only targets first-tier subcontractors, but we proposed expanding welfare benefits to second- and third-tier subcontractors as well."

Regarding protection for the vulnerable, legislation to apply the Labor Standards Act to workplaces with fewer than five employees will be pursued. Im said, "The application of the Labor Standards Act to workplaces with fewer than five employees is currently under discussion at the Economic, Social and Labor Council. While we need to support workers in these workplaces, since the burden on small business owners will increase, we will proceed with legislation after thorough public discussion."

Regarding the misuse of the comprehensive wage system, Im explained that after further discussions, measures to eradicate it will be prepared by June.