The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) on the 27th requested a reconsideration of the Minimum Wage Commission's decision not to apply the minimum wage to subcontract-based workers such as delivery couriers.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held a news conference in front of the Jung District Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office that day and submitted an objection to the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) containing this request. The move follows the Minimum Wage Commission under the ministry setting next year's minimum wage at 10,700 won per hour, up 3.7% from this year, while excluding subcontract-based workers from coverage. Subcontract-based workers are those who are paid in line with job performance, including platform workers.
Lee Mi-seon, a vice chair of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), said, "Ensuring the minimum wage for subcontract-based workers is a mandate of the times that can no longer be delayed." She added, "We request a reconsideration of the decision to reject application and must prepare measures to guarantee the minimum wage for special employment and platform workers."
Meanwhile, under the Minimum Wage Act, representatives of workers or employers may file an objection within 10 days from the date the minimum wage plan is announced if they have objections to the announced plan. Considering the date this year's minimum wage plan was announced, the deadline for objections is that day.
If the Minister of Employment and Labor judges that there are valid grounds for an objection, the minister may ask the Minimum Wage Commission to reconsider the minimum wage. To date, there have been no known cases in which the Minister of Employment and Labor accepted an objection and requested reconsideration by the commission.