"Labor Permit System Needed to Guarantee All Rights"
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a nationwide migrant workers' rally in front of the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 21st, calling for the abolition of the Employment Permit System and forced labor.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a nationwide migrant workers' rally in front of the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Yang Kyungsoo, president of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, stated in his opening address, "The suicide incident at a pig farm in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, and the forklift abuse case in Naju are the results of a migrant labor system that enables discrimination and exploitation." He emphasized, "The government must listen to our voices and immediately move to amend the law to abolish the Employment Permit System and forced labor."
Udaya Rai, president of the Migrants' Trade Union, argued, "Migrant workers cannot leave their workplaces, so they cannot even demand improvements to harassment, discrimination, or forced labor." He called for the implementation of a labor permit system that guarantees the freedom to change workplaces and all rights.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions stated that, due to the E-7 (Specific Activities Visa) system, migrant workers are forced to pay excessive fees to brokers and are subject to unstable one-year employment contracts.
Migrant workers also spoke out about their working conditions, raising issues such as violence and discrimination in the workplace and demanding the protection of their rights.
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