By UCA News reporter
SOUTH KOREA – Citizens and workers in South Korea have urged the government to guarantee the right to live and work safely amidst threats from disasters and unsafe work environments triggered by climate change.
The Climate Crisis Emergency Action group in a Jul 17 press conference held in Seoul called for a better work environment for laborers in the country.
Delivery platform workers, air conditioning service workers, construction workers, gas inspectors, and the families of the Osong tragedy victims, among others affected by climate change-related disasters were present.
The Osong tragedy refers to the flooding of an underground roadway on Jul 15 last year when a temporary sand levee on the nearby Miho River, swollen by heavy rains, broke. It killed 14 people and injured 16.
“It is more urgent than ever for the Climate Constitutional Court to recognize the state’s responsibility… so that no more lives are wasted due to the climate crisis,” said Kim Eun-jung, co-chair of the group.
He alleged that none of the people’s rights guaranteed by the South Korean Constitution are being fully guaranteed due to the climate crisis.
Park Se-joong, head of the construction union of the Federation of Korean Construction Industry, alleged that construction firms do not offer their workers sufficient rest or work stoppages during the summer season.
South Korea’s ministry of employment suggests proper hydration, shade, and rest during the summer seasons.
The number of heatwave days has more than doubled in three years, from 7.7 in 2020 to 14.2 last year, the Korea Meteorological Administration said.
“In reality, neither proper rest nor work stoppages are observed,” during the searing heat waves in summer, Park said.
“Actual work stoppages, proper rest facilities, and proper washing facilities are urgently needed on site,” Park emphasized.
Kim Ji-soo, secretary-general of the riders’ branch of the public transport union, pointed out that Artificial Intelligence algorithms force workers to work unsafely, and there was a “lack of policies and systems to protect platform workers.”
“We urgently need a climate unemployment benefit system to protect workers’ livelihoods when they are unable to work due to climate disasters,” Kim emphasized.
Reportedly, a Coupang Logistics Service (CLS) delivery worker was trapped in her car after heavy rains interrupted her morning delivery in North Gyeongsang Province.
Heo Bo-bo, head of the Seoul City gas branch of the Public Transport Workers’ Union, pointed out that gas inspectors who roam the city to check for gas leaks are also not protected.
“No one is responsible for their safety, as they are defenselessly exposed to heat waves, heavy snow, cold waves, and rainy seasons caused by the climate crisis,” Heo alleged. – UCA News
