205,000 South Korean public workers to gain regular status
Government plans wage hikes and the introduction of other perks gradually in phases
By Kim Bo-eun
The South government says it will give 205,000 irregular workers in the public sector regular status by 2020.
This represents 65 per cent of 316,000 irregular workers in central and local governments, and state-invested public entities, according to the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Of the irregular workers, 74,000 will get regular status this year.
The ministry unveiled the plan after completing a study into irregular workers at 853 public institutions nationwide.
“We must correct wrongful employment practises of abusing irregular workers by all means,” Vice Minister Yi Sung-ki said in a briefing at the Sejong Government Complex.
“We request the efforts of both labour and management ahead of the task of alleviating social polarisation and realising a society that respects workers,” he said.