제주지역 근로조건 개선을 위한 정책과제

Abstract

This study provides a picture of the employment protection in Jeju Province, examining how local-level policy reforms can be promoted under the current legislation. Korea has witnessed a gradual improvement of minimum working conditions in local authorities by introducing a living wage. Such an implementation has been accepted as the most fundamental means to improve working conditions, but local authorities show variations in terms of specific ways that each implements. Although the discussion about implementing a living wage has been restricted mainly to public sectors, it can be expanded to private sectors of local areas that present a great level of industrial and occupational unity like Jeju Province. In addition, 「Improvement of Employment and Labour Services (Chapter 6)」 of 「Special Act on the Establishment of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Development of Free International City」 specifies an exceptional rule of “contract to which a local government is a party”, which provides Jeju Province with a legal basis to exercise authority of improving working conditions through public procurement contracts. In other words, the current labour legislations that aim to standardize minimum working conditions at national level are highly likely to cause limitations when it comes to applying them to different local authorities. In this light, an in-depth policy discussion is needed for Jeju Province to become a pioneering model that can provide local-level regulations on working conditions.