Launch of Gwangju Labor Rights Center Integrating Labor, Non-Regular Workers, and Youth

‘Five Key Visions’ Declaration Ceremony for Labor Respect
Provision of Legal Counseling and Rights Protection Services

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong is unveiling the signboard of the Gwangju Labor Rights Center before the "Gwangju Labor Rights Center Vision Proclamation Ceremony" held at the main auditorium of Hanam Workers' Welfare Center in Gwangsan-gu on the afternoon of the 18th. Provided by Gwangju City

Gwangju City is accelerating its efforts to become a "city of labor rights" by establishing the Gwangju Labor Rights Center, a hub institution for the protection of workers' rights. On the 18th, Gwangju City held the "Gwangju Labor Rights Center Vision Declaration Ceremony" at the main auditorium of the Hanam Workers' Welfare Center in Gwangsan-gu.

The center was established based on the Gwangju City Labor Basic Ordinance enacted in July last year, integrating three labor-related centers (Gwangju Labor Center, Gwangju Irregular Workers Support Center, and Youth Labor Rights Center). It officially opened on January 1st of this year at the Hanam Workers' Welfare Center. The center is responsible for providing a variety of services and support to protect labor rights, including labor law counseling and rights advocacy, operation of a mobile workers' rest area, support for emotional laborers, operation of an industrial accident reporting center, and improvement of youth workplace culture.

Approximately 200 people attended the ceremony, including Mayor Kang Gijung, Gwangju City Council Chairperson Shin Sujeong, Gwangju Superintendent of Education Lee Jeongseon, representatives from the Gwangju regional branches of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, as well as officials from related organizations. The event included a plaque unveiling, progress report, and vision declaration ceremony.

On this day, the center announced its "Five Key Visions" to realize a Gwangju where labor is respected: ▲A labor rights hub for working citizens of Gwangju ▲Respect for invisible labor ▲Establishment of a labor mutual aid association for workers ▲Creation of a safe workplace culture for citizens ▲Pursuit of safe workplaces for future generations.

Mayor Kang Gijung stated, "The Gwangju Labor Rights Center was launched through the collective wisdom of Gwangju City, the city council, and the labor community," and added, "We will steadily move forward toward making Gwangju a city where all working people are respected, hand in hand with the labor community and the city council."

Meanwhile, the Gwangju Labor Rights Center provides free labor counseling and legal services for all workers in Gwangju, covering issues such as unpaid wages, unfair dismissal, and industrial accidents.