South Korea Launches Talks to Improve Waste Worker Conditions

The South Korean Ministries of Climate Change and Employment, along with the Federation of Korean Trade Unions and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, will convene a joint labor-management consultation body starting July 16th to improve working conditions for waste management workers. The collaborative effort comes after the Federation of Korean Trade Unions requested direct negotiations with the Ministry of Climate Change, citing the ministry’s role in setting wages and labor conditions for these workers.

Discussions will focus on three main areas: strengthening public service through improved job security and working conditions for those handling waste collection, transport, sorting, and incineration; modernizing work environments; and establishing fair labor standards regarding personnel, equipment, wages, hygiene, and rest. Recent investigations reveal widespread issues within the industry.

A review of 2,462 service contracts across local governments found underpayment of wages in 23.8% of cases and payment below contract terms in 22.8%. Furthermore, surveys indicate that 91.7% of sanitation workers work night shifts lasting at least two hours. The groups aim to address these issues and reduce the high rate of injuries and fatalities, 8,446 injuries and 723 deaths in the last five years.