Labor ministry holds briefings to prepare for independent investigative powers

The labor ministry said Wednesday it will hold a series of regional briefings starting Thursday to align headquarters and local offices before inspectors gain independent investigative authority next month.

Officials from all 49 regional labor offices will attend the meetings scheduled between Sept. 17 and Sept. 21 in Seoul, Daegu and Daejeon. The sessions target department heads and team leaders within labor standards divisions.

To support the shift, the ministry has established independent command systems for its regional agencies, created an investigative deliberation committee, and drafted new manuals and provisional rules for labor case investigations. These steps aim to enhance the fairness and objectivity of future inquiries.

The agency is also strengthening workforce capabilities through customized, case-based training tailored to different rank levels. A dedicated training institute for labor inspectors is under development and scheduled to open in 2027.

"Special judicial police officers' independent investigative powers represent a historic turning point that grants greater authority and responsibility to labor inspectors," said Kwae Gwan-byeong, head of the Labor Inspection Policy Division. He called for collective effort to maintain fair and strict investigations that protect safety and basic rights in the workplace despite the changing environment.

The independent investigative powers for special judicial police officers are set to officially commence on Oct. 2.