Young job seekers, workers in manufacturing and service sectors, and freelancers conveyed their employment challenges directly to the government and labor unions. Issues discussed included the high barriers to employment due to a focus on experienced hires, disparities in treatment based on employment type, and job insecurity stemming from the transition to artificial intelligence (AI).
On September 15, the Ministry of Employment and Labor held a 'Youth Labor Town Hall Meeting' at the Ferum Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, in collaboration with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the Korean Federation of Trade Unions. This event was organized to hear firsthand accounts from young workers amid ongoing difficulties in youth employment.
About 70 participants, including university students and job seekers, attended the event, representing various employment types such as regular and non-regular workers, subcontractors, and freelancers.
Following presentations from five young workers and an explanation of youth policies by the Ministry, Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon engaged in a dialogue with attendees. One young person involved in employment support stated, "Companies prefer experienced candidates, making it a significant challenge to gain practical experience. I hope there will be more opportunities for good work experiences that lead to employment."
Demands for improved job quality were also voiced. A participant from the National Union of Non-Regular Workers urged the public sector to set an example by improving conditions for non-regular workers and expanding quality job opportunities for youth. There were calls for systems and social safety nets to protect the economic rights of young workers engaged in various forms of employment, especially in small manufacturing firms and in light of the expanding platform economy.
Participants highlighted the issue of wage, welfare, and safety standards varying by company size and employment type. They emphasized the need for institutional support to ensure that opportunities and working conditions do not differ significantly based on the circumstances faced by young workers.
Minister Kim stated, "We must not allow young individuals to bear the difficulties arising from the structure of the labor market alone. As the industrial environment rapidly evolves with the transition to AI, we will work to broaden job opportunities for youth and ensure that workplace rights are robustly protected for everyone."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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