Seafarers working at 36 workplaces across the country will receive a total of 431 million won in unpaid wages due to a special labor inspection by the government.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries conducted focused inspections from August 19 to September 18, ahead of the Chuseok holiday, at 11 regional maritime affairs offices. The inspections targeted companies known for habitual wage violations and those at risk of such violations.
The inspections revealed a total of 677 million won in unpaid wages. The ministry has taken steps to ensure that 431 million won of this amount is paid to the seafarers through proactive guidance. The remaining 246 million won will be monitored, and the ministry plans to take strict action against workplaces that fail to comply, including investigating potential violations of the Seafarers Act.
Additionally, the inspection teams provided information on the procedures for resolving unpaid wages through the 'Seafarers Wage Guarantee Fund' and the 'Seafarers Legal Aid Project' offered by the Korea Seafarers Welfare and Employment Center and the Korea Legal Aid Corporation.
The Ministry conducts special labor inspections every holiday season to focus on workplaces at risk of wage violations and to ensure payments are made before the holidays. Earlier this year, during the Lunar New Year, inspections at 33 workplaces resulted in the payment of 403 million won in unpaid wages to 55 seafarers.
Kim Hye-jung, Director of the Shipping and Logistics Bureau at the Ministry, stated, "In addition to the special labor inspections for Chuseok, we will establish a regular labor inspection system to address recurring wage violation issues and will take necessary legal actions to prevent unpaid wages from occurring."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.