Some were even exposed to verbal and physical violence, leading to criticism that there should be stronger legal guidelines to help protect their rights. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEJONG, March 3 (Korea Bizwire) – Apartment security guards in South Korea now have legal grounds to refuse work they’re not officially required to do.
These guards, largely comprised of elderly post-retirees, have frequently been pushed by apartment residents to run errands that were not typically required of them, and had to put up with the demands to avoid any disadvantages.
Some were even exposed to verbal and physical violence, leading to criticism that there should be stronger legal guidelines to help protect their rights.
The revision to the apartment housing management act was officially passed by the national assembly on Thursday, and now stipulates that residents, residents’ committees, or apartment management offices can no longer issue unfair directives to security, cleaning, or other staff members working at residential complexes.
The existing act did include a clause that said “better treatment of security guards should be enforced, and their rights respected,” but its ambiguity prevented subjects from receiving the law’s full protection, said an aide to Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Youn Kwan-suk, who proposed the latest bill.
Youn, noting that the law does not yet stipulate punishment for offenders, is hopeful that an official ban on abusing security guards will promote better welfare.
“Now with an official regulation that prevents unfair practices or verbal abuse against apartment security guards, we believe we’ll gradually see a more lateral relationship take root between residents and employees,” he said.
The revision will take effect in six months.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
