Inspection targets up 2,000 from last year

Regional labor chiefs to lead on-site response in major cases

Employers facing financial hardship offered loans to clear arrears

Employment and Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon [The Herald Business DB]
Employment and Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon [The Herald Business DB]

The government will conduct comprehensive inspections and labor oversight at 8,000 workplaces deemed at high risk of wage theft ahead of the chuseok holiday. Employers who willfully or repeatedly withhold wages will face detention as a matter of principle.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced Monday it will run a four-week "intensive wage arrears clearance guidance period" from Tuesday through Sept. 23.

During the period, authorities will carry out full inspections and oversight at 8,000 workplaces nationwide — including those with repeated wage-theft complaints on record and businesses in high-risk sectors such as construction. The number of workplaces under inspection is 2,000 more than last year.

In cases involving large amounts of unpaid wages, a high number of affected workers, or labor disputes triggered by wage theft, regional employment and labor office chiefs will personally visit the sites to oversee resolution. The ministry plans to strengthen on-site responses to ensure workers receive their overdue wages before chuseok at the latest.

Employers who intentionally withhold wages or repeatedly fail to pay will be investigated with detention as the default approach. The ministry will also take strict action against those who attempt to evade wage-payment obligations by concealing assets or shutting down their businesses.

However, employers facing temporary financial difficulties that have caused or may cause wage arrears will be actively guided toward a government loan program designed to help them clear outstanding wages. The aim is to encourage employers to use the loans to pay workers directly.

"It is a sad reality that some workers still suffer from wage theft on the eve of a joyful holiday spent with family," said Kim Young-hoon, minister of employment and labor. "We will do everything in our power to protect the rights of workers affected by wage arrears."


fact0514@heraldcorp.com