Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Republic of Korea (Ratification: 1992)

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's thorough report for the period covering January 1996 to June 1998. The Government indicates that there has been a slight increase in the economically active population and the number of employed. The unemployment rate increased from 2 per cent in 1996 to 3 per cent in 1997. The Government describes in detail the relevant legislation and some programmes implemented. The Committee would appreciate if the Government would continue to supply information on the programmes implemented, participation rates, and the progress made. In light of the recent financial crisis in the region, the Committee would also be interested in receiving further information on specific measures taken under article 26 of the Employment Policy Act, and articles 15, 28 and 29 of the Basic Employment Act.

The Government's report provides detailed information on the law and programmes aimed at promoting the employment of women. The participation rate for this category of workers rose from 41.9 per cent in 1985 to 49.5 per cent in 1997, and women now comprise 41 per cent of all workers in paid employment. The unemployment rate for women was 2 per cent in both 1996 and 1997. The Government states that its strategies for increasing the participation rate of women include expanding and subsidizing child care, providing targeted training courses, and encouraging the growth of part-time employment. The Committee would appreciate further information on what steps have been taken to ensure that there is sufficient full-time work such that women may freely choose between part-time and full-time work. The Government's report also indicates that youth unemployment was 6 per cent in 1996 and 8 per cent in 1997, and that programmes for youth include job counselling. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether other programmes for youth, such as apprenticeships, exist or are envisaged. The Committee also notes the special programmes for older workers and workers with disabilities, which have had a positive effect on promotion of employment for these categories of workers.

Article 1(2)(c). In reply to previous comments, the Government points out that article 2 of the Employment Security Act prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sex, religion, and social or marital status. The Committee notes this information and asks the Government to clarify whether discrimination on grounds of race, colour, political opinion, or national extraction is also prohibited.

Article 2. The Government states that its policy is considered within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, as it aims to promote employment primarily through promoting economic growth while providing a social safety net. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further details on how fiscal, monetary and trade policies take into account the effects on employment.

The Government explains that consultations on implementation of employment policies occur within the tripartite Policy Council, which deals with employment policy. The Committee requests further information on whether representatives of other sectors of the economically active population, such as rural and informal sector workers, are consulted. It would also appreciate receiving further information on whether consultations take place concerning broader issues related to employment promotion, as required under Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2. Lastly, the Committee notes that a Tripartite Social Compact was signed in 1998. The Government is invited to provide details on this Compact in its next report.