Naju Forklift Restraint Perpetrator Suspected of Similar Acts Four Years Ago

Labor Office Secures Testimony from Victims
Comprehensive Investigation of 21 Workers Conducted
Special Assault Charges Applied, 3 Million Won Fine Imposed

An incident occurred in Naju, Jeonnam, where a migrant worker was tied to cargo and lifted by a forklift. Provided by Jeonnam Migrant Workers Human Rights Network.

Testimony has emerged that the perpetrator of the incident in which a foreign worker was tied to cargo and lifted by a forklift had engaged in similar acts in the past. In response, labor authorities are investigating whether there have been additional victims.

According to the Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office on August 15, during the investigation into the case of human rights violations against a foreign worker at a brick factory in Naju, Jeonnam, a former foreign worker testified that "in 2021, forklift operator A also tied me to cargo and lifted me up."

The labor office conducted a fact-finding investigation involving 21 people, including 8 foreign workers who worked at the factory at the time, as well as current and former employees. Based on the findings, the authorities believe there is a possibility that A habitually committed human rights violations and plan to continue investigating for further victims.

The authorities intend to charge A under the Labor Standards Act for special assault, which carries a heavier penalty than assault under the Criminal Act. However, no evidence of group bullying has been found.

Previously, on February 26, A was investigated by the police and the labor office on suspicion of tying his Sri Lankan coworker B (31) to a pile of bricks with industrial plastic wrap and lifting and dragging him with a forklift. Separately from the criminal proceedings, the labor office imposed a fine of 3 million won for workplace harassment.