‘To make the days when the government take responsibility for and the society respect care work': Care Women Workers' Rally

‘We, care workers are also workers. Apply the Labor Standard Law to us!'

‘Ensure employment insurance and workers' compensation for care workers!'

 

On past October 30, approximately 300 care workers held a Care Women Workers' Rally in the central Seoul to raise their voices, demanding to 'Apply the Labor Standard Law to care workers' and 'Guarantee Employment Insurance and Workers' Compensation.' The rally was held on the theme of 'To create care labor environment in which the government takes responsibility and the society respects,' by the KWWA and National Cooperative of House Managers (NCHM), and sponsored by Korean Care workers NGO Network.

 

In the rally, Kim Sanghee, a congress person of Democratic Party had an address, promising that she would work hard to help the Care Workers Act be passed in the National Assembly, and members of NCHM handed in their postcards to her, to send them to parliamentary committee members on environment and labor issues.

 

In the rally, a member from Incheon confessed her difficulties: 'although she had an operation on her knee, she had to return to work before the stitches were taken out because the operation cost was too high to her.' She called for the immediate application of employment insurance and workers' compensation.

 

Each regional branch of KWWA prepared an performance such as traditional beggar's song, dances and songs so that our members were overwhelmed with mirth. In addition, Ryoo Keumshin, a popular singer sang for our members in the rally. Moreover, 'E-oollung' a Korean traditional musical instrument band belonging to Inha University branch of the KWTU had a traditional parade, Kilnori and initiated traditional collective games, Daedongnori.

 

The amendment of Care Workers Act was prepared jointly by the office of Rep. Kim Sanghee and Korean Care workers NGO Network, and brought in the National Assembly on September 1, 2011.