The Burden of Proof Shifts from Individuals to Business Owners
The People Power Party's Special Committee on Closing the Gap has proposed the Act on Prohibition of Age Discrimination in Employment and the Labor Relations Commission Act, which simplifies the relief procedures for victims in employment age discrimination disputes and places the burden of proof on the employer rather than the individual.
On the 22nd, after submitting the bill to the National Assembly Secretariat, Jo Kyung-tae, the chairman of the special committee, told reporters, "This is a very good law that reforms the existing dual structure of requesting corrective recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission and corrective orders from the Ministry of Employment and Labor into a single procedure through the Labor Relations Commission, enabling affected workers to receive prompt relief."
He added, "In existing age discrimination disputes, the burden of proof was on the individual, but this bill stipulates that the employer bears the (burden of proof). This feature aims to reduce the burden on victims and strengthen the effectiveness of relief."
Jo said, "The Labor Relations Commission's hearings and corrective orders have been made more effective because the laws on gender employment equality and work-family balance are important," emphasizing, "A provision imposing fines on employers who fail to comply with corrective orders regarding age discrimination has been added to strengthen law enforcement."
The special committee plans to continue discussions on extending the retirement age and other related topics through future forums.
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