The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 23rd that it will hold a two-day briefing on labor laws for small jewelry businesses with fewer than five employees until the 24th.
This briefing is a measure following Minister Kim Young-hoon's directive to develop solutions to address the difficulties faced by jewelry workers. Prior to his appointment, Minister Kim met with members of a jewelry union who were protesting nearby while going to his office for the confirmation hearing.
The Ministry will provide consultations and training through the briefing to ensure that businesses do not violate the law due to ignorance. For business owners, it plans to explain legal obligations such as enrolling in the four major insurance programs and labor laws in conjunction with business owner associations, as well as various government support systems. For workers, it will collaborate with regional labor counseling centers to provide consultations and training on labor laws.
Additionally, the Ministry intends to encourage jewelry businesses to identify and improve issues through self-inspection, considering that most businesses are small establishments. However, if they do not correct legal violations even after being given the opportunity to rectify them, strict measures will be taken through supervision of the establishments.
Furthermore, the government support will also be promoted. There are plans to support expert labor management, health consultations for workers, and more.
Minister Kim Young-hoon said, "I will implement policies that suit the conditions on the ground swiftly so that workers are not marginalized."