The first meeting of the Minimum Wage Commission (최임위), which discusses the minimum wage increase rate for next year, will be held on the 22nd. The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 11th that the first plenary meeting of the commission will take place at 3 p.m. on the 22nd.
According to the Minimum Wage Act, the deliberation by the commission must be completed by June 29. However, this is merely a guideline, and there have only been nine instances where this has been adhered to since the introduction of the minimum wage system. Last year's deliberation took place from May 21 to July 12.
The commission is composed of nine worker representatives, nine employer representatives, and nine public interest representatives. This year, changes are expected in the composition of the worker representatives due to term expirations.
The Federation of Korean Trade Unions (한국노총) has requested a change from 최영미, the head of the national solidarity union's household and caregiving services division, to 유영미, the head of the Seongnam counseling office of the Federation. Additionally, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (민주노총) has applied for a change from 박정훈, the vice-chairman of the public transportation union, to 도명화, the senior vice-chairman of the Democratic Union.
The union side is currently waiting for an official document from the Ministry of Employment and Labor regarding the changes, which are expected to be decided before the first plenary meeting.
Meanwhile, the labor sector has announced that it will hold a press conference on the 21st to reveal its demand for next year's minimum wage level, but it is reported that the timing of this announcement is being adjusted again. This appears to be due to the impeachment situation taking longer than expected. This year's hourly minimum wage is 10,030 won, exceeding '10,000 won' for the first time.