Labor ministry moves to revoke certification over disabled worker rights violations

The labor ministry said Monday it has begun proceedings to revoke certification for an Incheon business after an inspection found wage arrears and rights violations involving intellectually disabled workers.

The action followed allegations of a workplace sexual crime against intellectually disabled employees. A special inspection from June 18 to 23 found labor-law violations and rights abuses, leading to criminal cases and fines. The ministry said the violations were seriously contrary to the certification program's aim of providing disabled people with stable and suitable working conditions. The certification is granted to workplaces that meet standards on disabled-worker employment, facilities and wages.

The ministry plans a one-strike rule allowing immediate cancellation of a business's certification after serious human rights violations against disabled people. Regular inspections of 100 workplaces, including certified workplaces where wage arrears and rights violations are a concern, are due to end Aug. 21. The Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities began a full survey of certified workplaces in July, after an emergency June inspection of 115 sites. The ministry and agency are working with regional disability rights advocacy groups to support victims' protection and recovery and expand rights education tied to certified workplaces.