Democratic Party North Gyeongsang Chapter Opens Cooling Shelter for Platform Workers

Surge in Heat-Related Illnesses Amid Heatwave
Expanding Measures to Protect Worker Safety

As a record-breaking heatwave has continued for over a month, the number of heat-related illness cases has surged in the North Gyeongsang region, with even fatalities being reported. In response, the North Gyeongsang Provincial Chapter of the Democratic Party of Korea has opened a cooling shelter for platform workers.

The Gyeongbuk Provincial Party Committee will operate shelters until the heatwave warning is lifted and plans to consider establishing additional bases if necessary.

According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Korea Meteorological Administration, there have been approximately 260 cases of heat-related illness in North Gyeongsang over the past month. On July 7, a Vietnamese worker in his 20s died from a heat-related illness while working at an apartment construction site in Sandong-eup, Gumi. On July 24, a Nepali worker in his 40s also died while performing weed removal work in Pohang.

There have been additional fatalities from heat-related illness in areas such as Bonghwa, Chilgok, and Yeongdeok, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures for field workers.

In response, the North Gyeongsang Provincial Chapter of the Democratic Party has converted its existing "Party Member Zone" into a "Cooling Shelter" for platform workers, providing free access to a shelter equipped with air conditioning and rest areas.

The shelter is open for use at any time by mobile workers such as delivery and courier workers while on duty. This initiative aligns with the launch of the "Industrial Accident Prevention Task Force" by the party's central office on July 28, which was established in accordance with the Lee Jaemyung administration's policy to eradicate industrial accidents.

Park Jongseon, head of the Labor Committee of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Chapter of the Democratic Party, stated, "It is a reality that mobile workers exposed to the heat for long hours have difficulty finding even a place to rest," and added, "We hope this shelter will serve as a refuge for workers."

Lim Mi-ae, National Assembly member and acting chair of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Chapter, also commented, "In some local governments such as Anyang, shelters for mobile workers are operated using district offices, administrative welfare centers, and labor rights centers, but the situation in North Gyeongsang is very inadequate." She expressed hope that "this measure will serve as an opportunity to expand institutional consideration for worker safety."

The North Gyeongsang Provincial Chapter plans to operate the shelter until the heatwave advisory is lifted and is considering establishing additional shelters if necessary.