The last week of June is approaching, and with it comes the decision on the 2024 minimum wage. In preparation for this decision, efforts are being made to form a consensus by meeting with non-regular and low-wage workers to significantly increase the minimum wage.
One such effort is the ‘Everyone’s Minimum Wage Festival’ that was recently held with irregular media workers in Sangam-dong. The festival took place on June 26, 2023, from 12:00 to 13:00 at the Seoul Sangam Cultural Center, in front of the MBC new building.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) is leading the demand for a minimum wage of 12,000 won per hour. They are also advocating for the reflection of household living expenses in the standard for determining the minimum wage and the expansion of the application of the minimum wage to all platform workers.
Throughout the month of June, the KCTU held meetings in 16 regions across the country as part of the campaign. These meetings aimed to inform workers and citizens about the need for a drastic increase in the minimum wage.
In anticipation of the minimum wage decision, a special event was organized on the last Monday of June. Workers gathered at the cultural yard in Sangam-dong, where non-regular media workers are concentrated, to focus on advocating for a significant increase in the minimum wage. Additionally, a campaign was launched to encourage non-regular low-wage workers in the broadcasting and media industry to join the union.
The event followed a specific order of progress, which included various activities and discussions. From 12:00 to 12:20, there was a ‘Story Yard’ session where the stories of minimum wage workers were shared. This session featured speakers such as Press Union Media Temporary Workers, Daegu Youth Union Secretary-General Shim Soon-kyung, and Hanbit Media Labor Human Rights Center Director Youngmin Kim.
From 12:20 to 12:45, a ‘Performance Yard’ session took place, featuring a performance by High Mr. Memory. Following that, from 12:45 to 13:00, there was another ‘Story Yard’ session where participants had the opportunity to listen to the experiences of minimum wage members. Jeong Yong-jae, Vice Chairman of the Public Transportation Workers’ Union, was one of the speakers during this session.
In addition to these sessions, there were participation booth operations throughout the event. These booths included activities such as the ‘Everyone’s Minimum Wage Roulette Challenge,’ street labor counseling, signature campaigns, and a media promotion campaign to encourage irregular labor union membership.
As the decision on the 2024 minimum wage approaches, efforts like the ‘Everyone’s Minimum Wage Festival’ aim to raise awareness and advocate for a significant increase in the minimum wage. By meeting with non-regular and low-wage workers, the goal is to form a consensus and ensure fair wages for all workers.
How does the KCTU believe that a significant increase in the minimum wage can improve the livelihoods of workers and ensure a fairer distribution of wealth?
Astic increase in the minimum wage and to gather support for the cause.
The ‘Everyone’s Minimum Wage Festival’ in Sangam-dong was one of the highlights of this campaign. It brought together non-regular and low-wage workers, particularly those in the media industry, to discuss the importance of raising the minimum wage and the impact it can have on their lives.
The festival took place on June 26, 2023, and lasted for an hour. It was held at the Seoul Sangam Cultural Center, which is located in front of the MBC new building. The goal of the festival was to create awareness and build consensus among workers regarding the demand for a minimum wage of 12,000 won per hour.
The KCTU, a leading labor union in South Korea, is a driving force behind this demand. They believe that a significant increase in the minimum wage is necessary to improve the livelihoods of workers and ensure a fairer distribution of wealth. Additionally, they advocate for the consideration of household living expenses when determining the minimum wage and for the extension of the minimum wage to all platform workers.
To spread their message and gather support, the KCTU organized a series of meetings across the country throughout June. These meetings aimed to educate workers and citizens about the importance of a higher minimum wage and encourage them to join the ‘Everyone’s Minimum Wage’ movement.
As the last week of June approaches, the decision on the 2024 minimum wage is imminent. With efforts like the ‘Everyone’s Minimum Wage Festival’ and the KCTU’s campaign, there is hope for a consensus to be reached and for the minimum wage to be significantly increased, benefiting non-regular and low-wage workers across South Korea.
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This article sheds light on the importance of fair wage practices and inclusivity in the workforce. By organizing the ‘Everyone’s Minimum Wage Festival’ in Sangam-dong, valuable recognition and support are provided to non-regular and low-wage workers. Such efforts should be applauded as they contribute towards building a more equitable society.