An investigation into the retail industry launched by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has revealed that 104 out of 232 businesses surveyed employing minors were in breach of labor laws, the ministry said on Friday. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 10 (Korea Bizwire) — Nearly half of young part-time workers in South Korea are subject to unfair practices in the workplace, including unpaid wages and uncertain working conditions.
An investigation into the retail industry launched by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has revealed that 104 out of 232 businesses surveyed employing minors were in breach of labor laws, the ministry said on Friday.
Among the 211 violations, employment contracts that lacked detail in terms of working hours and breaks accounted for over half, including cases where no contract had been signed in the first place between employers and adolescent workers.
Some of the employers did not inform workers of the minimum wage, while others didn’t provide sexual harassment prevention training.
In more severe cases, minors did not receive wages or were underpaid, with some of them having to work without a break or days off.
Nearly 4 in 10 supermarkets and convenience stores surveyed were found to be involved in unfair workplace practices against minors, which made the sector the worst to work in.
Minors who wish to report unpaid wages, underpayment or sexual harassment are encouraged call the gender equality ministry’s young worker protection support center at 02-6677-1429, or send a text to #138.
M.H.Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
