1. Pending labor issues such as minimum wage are magnified in the parliamentary inspection
On 18 October, the Environment and Labor Committee in the National Assembly conducted a parliamentary inspection of the Tripartite Commission, the National Labor Relations Commission, and the Minimum Wage Commission regarding pending labor issues including minimum wage. After pointing out side effects of a rapid increase in minimum wage (such as a decline in employment), lawmakers in the opposition parties emphasized the necessity of a gradual increase in minimum wage. However, lawmakers in the ruling party argued the necessity of employer inspections regarding compliance with the minimum wage and the government’s support plans.
Chairman Soo-bong Uh of the Minimum Wage Commission personally stated his opinion that fixed regular bonuses and transportation expenses/lunch allowances which are paid in cash should be included in the minimum wage. Lawmakers in the opposition parties pointed out that the Tripartite Commission is overly considering the stance of labor. Lawmakers in the ruling party argued that the two umbrella unions should participate in open social dialogue without conditions.