**August 29 to October 2…Extended from 3 weeks to 6 weeks**
*”Joint efforts by relevant ministries to announce a comprehensive plan to eradicate wage arrears soon.”*
The Ministry of Employment and Labor is launching a special six-week inspection to address wage arrears ahead of the Chuseok holiday. To prevent workers from experiencing difficulties due to non-payment of wages for their work before the holiday, the duration of efforts to clear up arrears will be doubled compared to previous years for a more rapid and stringent response.
The Ministry announced on the 27th that it will operate a “wage arrears resolution guidance period” from the 29th to October 2nd. This move reflects the policy to prevent any cases of unpaid wages before the holiday by extending the existing operational period from 3 weeks to 6 weeks.
To facilitate easy reporting of wage arrears, the Ministry has set up a dedicated portal on their labor website (labor.moel.go.kr). Additionally, a dedicated phone line (☏1551-2978) has been established to allow consultations and reports with labor inspectors.
Furthermore, local labor offices will collaborate with police and other relevant institutions to form ‘Wage Arrears SWAT Teams.’ These teams will promptly respond to conflicts arising from wage arrears, conducting on-site resolution guidance. Vulnerable businesses will be proactively monitored, with connections to labor inspections if necessary, to strengthen preventive measures.
Businesses facing financial difficulties and at risk of arrears will be guided on ‘Wage Arrears Resolution Support Loan Programs’ to encourage voluntary compliance. However, the Ministry plans to apply a zero-tolerance policy, including arrest investigations, for malicious or habitual violators.
Minister Kim Young-hoon stated, “Wage arrears are akin to wage theft or fraud.” He instructed officials to minimize damage by directly inspecting workplaces to ensure no workers suffer due to wage arrears during the holiday. He also emphasized, “The annual pre-holiday resolution measures should not become a one-time event,” and mentioned plans to soon announce a fundamental arrears eradication plan in cooperation with related ministries.