Practical Protection Measures Needed
Calls for Labor Rights in Five-Minute Speech
Kim Jeongok, a proportional representative of the People Power Party in the Daegu City Council, will deliver a five-minute free speech at the 2nd plenary session of the 320th extraordinary session on October 23, stating, "We must create a society where young people can work in a safe and fair labor environment," and strongly urging for the guarantee of youth labor rights and the establishment of institutional foundations.
Kim points out, "Young people face significant challenges entering the labor market, but even after entering, many are subjected to unstable employment and poor working conditions," adding, "In particular, there are numerous cases where even basic labor rights are not fully protected, such as delayed wage payments, unfair dismissals, verbal and physical abuse, and sexual harassment."
At the youth labor rights roundtable held last September, Kim also stated, "Young people have experienced unfair treatment, such as not receiving written employment contracts, non-compliance with working and break hours, workplace bullying, and sexual harassment," emphasizing, "This is a serious warning that young people in our region are in a reality where even their basic labor rights are not protected. Daegu City must actively establish an institutional safety net."
Other local governments, such as Seoul and Busan, have already enacted labor rights ordinances for university students and young people, and are conducting various initiatives, including labor rights lectures, mobile counseling centers, and competitions.
Kim Jeongok, Daegu City Council Member, will further emphasize, "Daegu City should also implement practical policies such as conducting regular labor condition surveys, distributing standard contracts, strengthening labor rights education and publicity, expanding workplace consulting, and unifying reporting channels for rights violations. Youth labor rights are not just a matter of individual rights but are directly linked to the region's future competitiveness. A labor environment where young people are respected is the starting point of youth happiness and will lead to improved job quality and the sustainability of Daegu's economy."
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