Gyeonggi Province Establishing Gyeonggi Joint Workers' Welfare Funds No. 3 and 4 in Uijeongbu, Yangju, Dongducheon, and Yeoncheon

Expansion of the Labor Welfare Network in Northern Gyeonggi
Up to 1.2 Million Won per Year for SME Workers
Benefits for Around 160 Companies and 1,880 Workers

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 25th that it will establish the “Gyeonggi Joint Workers' Welfare Fund No. 3” in Uijeongbu and the “Gyeonggi Joint Workers' Welfare Fund No. 4” in Yangju, Dongducheon, and Yeoncheon, each providing up to 1.2 million won per year in welfare benefits for workers at small and medium-sized enterprises.

Gyeonggi-do held an MOU signing ceremony on the 24th at Uijeongbu Culture Station I-eum to establish the "Gyeonggi Gongdong Geunro Bokji Gigeum 3-ho." Provided by Gyeonggi-do.

Gyeonggi Province signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the “Gyeonggi Joint Workers' Welfare Fund No. 3” at Uijeongbu Munhwa-yeok I-eum on the 24th, and will sign a memorandum of understanding to establish the “Gyeonggi Joint Workers' Welfare Fund No. 4” at the Yangju Gyeonggi Textile Support Center on the 27th.

The agreement will be attended by Uijeongbu City, Yangju City, Dongducheon City, Yeoncheon County, the Uijeongbu Employment and Labor Office, the Gyeonggi Northern Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and representatives of labor and management from participating small and medium-sized enterprises. Fund No. 3 will cover 438 workers at 41 small and medium-sized enterprises in Uijeongbu City, while Fund No. 4 will cover 461 workers at 41 enterprises across three local governments: Yangju, Dongducheon, and Yeoncheon.

The Gyeonggi Joint Workers' Welfare Fund is a system designed to improve the welfare level of workers at small workplaces and to narrow the gap between large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises. When local governments and companies jointly create a fund, the Ministry of Employment and Labor provides additional support within a certain range. Using this as a financial resource, welfare benefits are provided to workers at participating companies. Following the establishment of Fund No. 1 in Yangju last year and Fund No. 2 in Hwaseong on February 11 this year, the province has expanded the program with Funds No. 3 and No. 4 to the broader northern region, where business conditions are relatively difficult.

The funds will be operated for five years starting in 2026, with the province and cities contributing for three years and companies participating for five years, with the goal of providing welfare support of up to 1.2 million won per worker per year.

With the creation of Funds No. 3 and No. 4, a joint welfare infrastructure has been established that encompasses five cities and counties in the province, around 160 small and medium-sized enterprises, and 1,880 workers. Despite the economic downturn and management burdens, it is expected to provide a foundation for small and medium-sized enterprises to maintain stable employment. Workers will receive tangible welfare benefits, while companies are expected to build a virtuous cycle structure that promotes long-term retention and improved productivity.

Kim Dohyeong, Director of Labor at Gyeonggi Province, said, “The Gyeonggi Joint Workers' Welfare Fund is a practical policy tool that improves the quality of life for workers at small and medium-sized enterprises,” adding, “Starting with Yangju last year and now expanding to Uijeongbu, Dongducheon, and Yeoncheon, this agreement will serve as an opportunity to strengthen the labor welfare safety net in northern Gyeonggi. The province will work closely with cities, counties, and companies to actively support the successful implementation of the Joint Workers' Welfare Fund on the ground.”