South Korea

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | July 18, 2025 | Strikes and Work Stoppages

On July 16, 2025, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), a major umbrella labor group representing 1.2 million members, launched a large-scale two-day strike demanding the government enact a pro-labor act. The strike began with a rally at Yeouido in western Seoul, where around 4,500 people gathered despite heavy rain, with similar rallies held in 12 other regions. The KCTU had initially expected participation of about 10,000 members in Seoul and 30,000 nationwide. Another significant rally and march are planned for July 19 in central Seoul.

The KCTU's primary demand is the revision of Articles 2 and 3 of the Labor Union Act, known as the "yellow envelope law," which would limit companies' ability to claim damages for legitimate labor union disputes. Although the legislation had passed the National Assembly twice, it was vetoed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol due to opposition from business groups and the People Power Party. The union claims that the proposed law would protect workers from employer reprisals and decrease employer complaints about illegal strikes.

In addition to the Labor Union Act revisions, the KCTU calls for broader labor reforms to safeguard the rights of platform and special-contract workers and to address growing social inequality. The union also urges the Lee Jae Myung government to reverse the previous administration's policies, which it describes as anti-labor.

폭염대비 농촌 외국인근로자 일터 긴급점검…"2시간 근무, 20분 휴식 의무"

Money Today | Local Language | News | July 18, 2025 | Extreme Weather Events

Starting July 17, 2025, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, in collaboration with local governments, will conduct emergency inspections for one month at farms employing foreign workers under the Employment Permit System (E-9 visa) in rural areas. This initiative aims to protect foreign workers, who are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to extensive outdoor labor during the summer heatwaves.

The inspections will involve joint teams checking 150 vulnerable workplaces, with the potential to expand based on self-check results. Farms will be encouraged to self-assess and improve working conditions voluntarily before inspections. Workers and employers will receive guidance on the "5 Basic Heatwave Safety Rules" in 17 languages, which include providing cool water, cooling devices, mandatory rest periods of 20 minutes every 2 hours during heatwaves above 33°C, supplying cooling packs, and emergency procedures for heat illnesses.

The teams will ensure the presence of shade shelters, cooling equipment, and necessary support while also offering information on applying for government heat-related illness prevention support. Worker accommodations will be inspected with increased attention to fire safety and cooling facilities, reflecting heightened concerns after a recent dormitory fire incident in Muan, Jeonnam.

Multilingual counselors and interpreters will assist during inspections to communicate safety rules effectively to foreign workers. The Ministry will also monitor heat-related illnesses through the foreign worker support system separately. Vice Minister Kwon Chang-jun emphasized the significance of community-based inspections and the commitment to safeguarding foreign workers' safety both at work and in their living environments.

Yonhap | English | News | July 18, 2025 | Extreme Weather Events

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecasted heavy rainfall across South Korea from July 16 through July 17, 2025, with southern Gyeonggi Province expecting downpours exceeding 200 millimeters per hour. The greater Seoul area and parts of Chungcheong Province were predicted to receive 50 to 150 millimeters of rain, while Jeolla provinces would see 20 to 100 millimeters and Gyeongsang provinces 30 to 100 millimeters.

A heavy rain advisory was issued for Seoul at 5 p.m., indicating expected rainfall exceeding 60 millimeters in three hours or 110 millimeters in 12 hours. In response, the Interior Ministry activated a Level 1 operation of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for Seoul and Chungcheong Province as of 3 p.m.

Vice Interior Minister Kim Min-jae urged authorities to take comprehensive measures to minimize damage and prevent casualties. The public was advised to stay informed about the weather and avoid hazardous areas, such as landslide-prone zones and underground facilities.