Minimum Wage Hike Protests in South Korea: Current Situation as of April 2024

Minimum Wage Hike Protests in South Korea: Current Situation as of April 2024 

1. Overview of Minimum Wage Hike Protests

• Background: In the midst of ongoing discussions on the minimum wage increase for 2024, labor unions and civic groups have staged protests calling for livelihood stability and economic justice.

• Key Demands:

• Minimum wage increase to 10,000 won or higher
• Improvement of the minimum wage calculation method
• Reinforcement of minimum wage guarantee for non-regular workers

• Major Protest Sites:

• Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul
• Labor offices in major cities nationwide

2. Protest Status and Key Claims

• Scale:

• Regular protests held every Saturday since March 2024
• Up to 10,000 participants (according to police estimates)

• Key Claims:

• Current minimum wage is insufficient for living
• Minimum wage increase has a positive impact on economic growth
• Need to strengthen minimum wage guarantee for non-regular workers

3. Government Position and Outlook

• Government Position:

• Minimum wage increase should consider economic conditions
• Rational level to be determined through labor-management negotiations

• Outlook:

• Minimum Wage Commission deliberation scheduled for July 2024
• Gap between labor and management difficult to resolve
• High possibility of large-scale protests continuing

4. SEO Keywords and Related Information

• Main Keywords:

• Minimum wage hike protests
• 10,000 won minimum wage
• Labor union protests
• Economic justice
• Livelihood stability

• Related Information:

• Minimum Wage Commission: https://www.minimumwage.go.kr/
• Korean Confederation of Trade Unions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFZPmydjZt0
• Citizens' Solidarity for Economic Justice: https://namu.wiki/w/%EC%97%B0%EC%84%B8%EB%8C%80%ED%95%99%EA%B5%90

5. Additional Information and Tips

• Refer to recent news articles and blog posts on minimum wage hike protests • Use various keyword combinations to search for information • Identify key figures and organizations involved in the minimum wage increase • Utilize photos and videos from protest sites • Provide objective and neutral information • Gather and reflect diverse opinions

7. Recent Developments and News

• April 10, 2024: Labor unions including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) hold "10,000 Won Minimum Wage" rally in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul (approx. 5,000 participants) • April 12, 2024: Government holds Minimum Wage Commission meeting, conclusion postponed due to differences in labor-management opinions • April 14, 2024: Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) announces position that "10,000 won minimum wage is economic suicide" • April 17, 2024: Citizens' Solidarity for Economic Justice releases report stating "Minimum wage should be increased to 12,000 won"

8. Major Disputes and Confrontations

• Labor Sector: Argues that minimum wage should be raised to 10,000 won or higher for livelihood stability and economic justice • Management Sector: Raises concerns that a rapid increase in minimum wage will lead to job losses and inflation • Government: Position is that a rational level needs to be determined considering economic conditions and labor-management opinions

9. Future Outlook and Expectations

• Final decision by Minimum Wage Commission scheduled for July 2024 • Gap between labor and management expected to be difficult to resolve • High possibility of large-scale protests continuing