On the 2nd of March, celebrating 3.8 International Women’s Day, “Saeng Saeng Women’s Labor Act” ran a campaign for restoring domestic workers’ rights and a conference with a declaration of women’s labor rights. Each of the groups from Saeng Saeng set up booths, educating citizens about the difficult realities of domestic workers such as housekeepers, cleaning ladies, and restaurant laborers. There was also a petition demanding a bill for workers’ rights. Despite the cold weather, many members of each activist organization willingly participated in the campaign and the media conference.
<From the Declaration of Women’s Labor Rights by Saeng Saeng Women’s Labor Act >
We at “Saeng Saeng Women’s Labor Act” declare that the rights of female workers are ensured by the guarantee of gaining quality employment, being able to both work and live, respecting domestic workers, and further, building foundations where everyone can lead a happy life through the application of social insurance, and guaranteeing of social wages. We swear that we will work hard to actualize these rights:
1. The government guarantees the Basic Legal Rights of Labor for the underemployed and irregular employees.
2. The government guarantees the application of the Basic Legal Rights of Labor, unemployment insurance, and industrial accident compensation insurance for domestic workers.
3. The government guarantees a minimum wage of 1 million won a month.
4. The government makes an effort for social insurance expansion and social wages insurance without exception.
5. The government should ensure job stability for domestic work.
6. The government should set wages for full-time employment instead of part-time work with lower pay.
7. The government should prohibit unfair dismissals for reasons concerning pregnancy or childcare and consolidate the related policies for both parents to have the right to maternity leave.
