▲ Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon holds a meeting with CEOs of the top 20 construction companies at the Korea Skills Quality Authority in Jung-gu, Seoul, on May 29, to discuss the prevention of heat-related illnesses ahead of the summer heat.
Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon held an on-site meeting with small business owner associations today (June 17) at the SME DMC Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The meeting was attended by representatives from groups including the Cafe Owners Cooperative, the Korea Makeup Association, the Korea Foodservice Industry Association, and the Convenience Store Owners Association.
During the meeting, Minister Kim urged small business owners to comply with working conditions and improve improper labor practices, while also listening to the difficulties they face in the field.
He then introduced government support programs designed to foster harmony between workers and employers at small businesses.
First, the "AI Labor Law Consultation" program, which handled 117,000 inquiries last year, will be linked with "Soseongongin 24," a support platform for small business owners under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, to expand its reach.
Furthermore, in the second half of the year, the ministry plans to enhance the program's features, such as allowing business owners to upload employment contracts and wage statements for AI to automatically diagnose legal violations and suggest improvements.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor also plans to promote customized labor management training for specific industries, such as the food service sector, in addition to the existing "On-site Labor Education for Workplaces" program.
For business owners in need of professional labor management assistance, the government provides the "Voluntary Improvement Service for Working Conditions," where experts such as certified labor attorneys visit workplaces with fewer than 30 employees to provide consultation.
To reduce the burden of costs such as insurance premiums, the Minister introduced the Durunuri Social Insurance Support Program.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor also announced that it is considering operating a special voluntary reporting period that would exempt businesses from fines for failing to enroll in employment insurance.
At the same time, the government plans to continue inspections of workplaces suspected of using "fake 3.3" contracts.
In particular, it plans to conduct a planned inspection of suspected workplaces in the semiconductor manufacturing sector within this month.
A "fake 3.3" contract refers to a practice where an employer, in order to evade labor laws such as the Labor Standards Act, disguises workers who are effectively employees as freelancers or business income earners, withholding 3.3% of their income as business income tax.
Minister Kim stated, "For the relationship between employers and workers at small businesses—especially young workers—to move away from a 'war between the underdogs' and toward a relationship of companionship and mutual growth, we must first resolve the complex difficulties faced by small-scale businesses." He added, "Based on the voices from the field, we will work to create precious workplaces where everyone can work and live together."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.