A recent survey of 1,000 direct employees in Seoul reveals that 35.2% cannot claim employment insurance for the upcoming Labor Day holiday on May 1.
Key Survey Insights
Conducted over two months at Gwanghwamun, the analysis highlights significant gaps in insurance coverage tied to employment types and business practices. Rates vary widely, with daily workers facing a 24.2% denial rate.
Breakdown by Job Category
Higher denial rates plague specific roles: daily hires see 60% unable to access benefits, freelancers and special daily workers 59.3%, while dispatch and service positions average even steeper figures. These groups often lack recognition under core labor standards.
Company Size Disparities
Large enterprises report a lower 16.5% denial rate, but small and medium-sized businesses show 58.3%—over 3.5 times higher. Related laws tie Labor Day pay to insurance, yet many workers fall outside ‘root employee’ protections, relying instead on private agreements.
Government Policy and Concerns
Officials have designated May 1 as a legal holiday with pay, but efficiency issues persist nationwide. Activists plan demonstrations near the presidential office on April 30 and full-day events on May 1, including press conferences, to spotlight non-regular workers’ plights.
