Gwangju Gwangsan-gu Council 'Policy Meeting on Improving Working Conditions for Foreign Workers'

The Economic and Welfare Committee of the Gwangsan District Council in Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 20th that it held a "Policy Meeting for Improving the Working Environment of Foreign Workers" at the government building on the 17th.

The meeting was organized to share the current situation of foreign workers' labor environment and to seek improvement measures.

About 20 participants attended, including Kim Chun-ho, a lawyer from Gwangju Minjung House, Hong Kwan-hee, an executive committee member of the Gwangju Jeonnam Migrant Workers Human Rights Network, related organizations and groups, Gwangsan district council members, and relevant officials.

Presided over by council member Han Yoon-hee, the meeting featured presentations by lawyer Kim Chun-ho on "Cases of Legal Consultation for Migrant Workers" and executive committee member Hong Kwan-hee on "Analysis of Ordinances from Other Local Governments." Following the presentations, attendees engaged in heated discussions proposing various policies to support foreign workers.

The participants focused on the reality that 55.5% of registered foreign residents in Gwangju live in Gwangsan District, most of whom work in local industrial complexes, yet their labor rights are not properly guaranteed.

Lawyer Kim explained, "Among industrial accident fatalities surveyed in 2021, 12.3% were foreign workers," adding, "Efforts are needed to ensure labor rights protection for foreign workers who are in blind spots regarding occupational safety, such as unreported industrial accidents and wage arrears, through institutional improvements, better housing and working environments, and awareness enhancement."

Executive committee member Hong emphasized, "The number of local ordinances related to foreigners is increasing nationwide, with differences in ordinance types depending on regional characteristics. Since Gwangsan District has a high proportion of foreign workers, support for human rights promotion and treatment improvement is necessary. Therefore, policies should be reviewed and systems and projects reorganized."

The attendees noted, "Foreign workers tend to avoid administrative agencies, so support projects have mainly been carried out by private organizations. For local governments to conduct surveys or implement policies, cooperation with related organizations is essential."

They also agreed on the necessity of enacting ordinances related to foreign workers to improve treatment, including interpreter support and application of living wages.

Council member Han stated, "Going forward, we will work through in-depth discussions with public and private cooperation to understand the difficulties faced by foreign workers and strive to ensure they are protected as members of the community."