The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 5th that plans to intensively clear unpaid wages by the 24th of this month, ahead of the lunar new year, will be implemented.
Initially, a dedicated reporting window will be operated to allow victims of unpaid wages to report issues. An 'unpaid wages reporting dedicated window' will be established on the online labor portal, and a dedicated phone line will also be operational. When using the dedicated phone, individuals can receive consultations or make reports by connecting with a labor inspector specializing in unpaid wages.
Additionally, if a large unpaid amount exceeding 100 million won occurs or if there is a collective default of more than 30 people, the head of the agency will visit the site to directly guide the clearance. The Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to respond by conducting arrest investigations for malicious and habitual defaulting employers, regardless of the amount involved.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to provide priority support to enable employers to voluntarily clear defaults using the loan system. Additionally, if workers suffering from unpaid wages apply for a compensation payment during the intensive guidance period, the processing time will be reduced from 14 days to 7 days.
Minister Kim Moon-soo of the Ministry of Employment and Labor said, “We will make every effort to ensure unpaid wages are cleared before the lunar new year.”