최저임금제도의 문제와 과제

Abstract

The Minimum wage system aims to protect low income employees as intervening of government in the process of wage bargaining between labor and management to determine the minimum level of wage and to force employer to keep this level with law. In this paper we discuss current issues of minimum wage system in Korea and try to find alternatives to solve problems of minimum wage system. Meanwhile, the minimum wage has contributed to improving the quality of life and income security of low-wage workers. But every year labor and employers have confrontations about the increase rate of minimum wage. The big number of non-regular workers and employers in small businesses are facing a reality that they do not get even the minimum wage. The minimum wage level is one of the major issues related to the minimum wage. In the determination of the minimum wage level it is necessary to establish the criteria on the basis of objective indicators. It is also necessary to review the scope of the minimum wage to be counted. A careful review of including periodic bonuses and salaries in the minimum wage is required. The current minimum wage does not reflect the differences among industrial sectors. Taking into account the different management conditions between sectors, it is necessary to determine the minimum wage by business type. The current minimum wage does not reflect the regional characteristics and it is determined as a nationwide single one. It is necessary to consider the regional minimum wage based on cost of living, wage levels, and the economy of the region. In order to increase employment opportunities for some workers groups it is needed to consider the adjustment of the minimum wage rate applies to them.