Printer-friendly version
Send to friend
The minimum wage system was introduced to the Korean labor market in 1988 as a buffer against income gaps. However, it has not performed well in this function as the legal amount was set too low. Furthermore, it often served employers' interest to fix low wages. Its negative impact became even more obvious when the IMF crisis hit South Korea in 1997 and led to a rapid increase in the number of sub-contracted workers.
In 2001, the KWWAU conducted a nation-wide campaign to raise the minimum wage by making recommendations to the South Korean government and prosecuting the businesses that violated the minimum wage system. During June and July of that year, over 15,000 people signed the petition. The KWWAU conducted a survey on the condition of 528 subcontracted women working as cleaners in 107 companies in nine cities. Through the survey, it emerged that 23% of the workers surveyed received less than the minimum wage (421,490 KRW /$409 US per month).
It became clear that the minimum wage system did not protect workers employed in small and medium sized businesses; instead, the system was misused so that workers earned lower wages. The KWWAU held a conference to publicize the survey results and to discuss 'How to Improve the Minimum Wage System from the Perspective of Unorganized Workers,' and to publicize the problems of the 'unrealistic' minimum wage system.
In order to illustrate the gravity of the low wages, KWWAU staged a performance event called “Lunch with Yong-Hee” in front of the Korean Assembly. They prepared Yong-Hee’s 944 KRW meal (about USD 0.60) and shared it with 60 participants at the performance. Participants included reporters from the media. The performance was so successful that it was reported in nearly all newspapers and broadcast on two major television news programs during prime time. (See photo of Yong-Hee's and her lunch)
The KWWAU were the first to focus on increasing the minimum wage in South Korea. Later, other unions and organizations began to adopt minimum wage campaigns. In 2002, many unions and civil organizations established the 'Minimum Wage Network' and started working to increase the minimum wage and improve the minimum wage system. Recently, it was agreed that the minimum wage would increase by more than 10% every year. Currently The Network continues to carry out activities to improve the legal support system for minimum wage workers.
Through the campaign for raising the minimum wage, leaders emerged from the ranks of the cleaning women. Most of these leaders had previous experience fighting against threats by contracting agencies. They were very brave and encouraged and organized their co-workers. The sub-contracted cleaners convinced the public to sign petitions and continued to hold campaigns on the street.
Before this campaign, no one knew that there were people in Korean society who earned less than the minimum wage. The KWWAU raised the social conscience about the minimum wage system, bringing the issue into the sphere of social movement. The major beneficiaries of improving the minimum wage system have been poor women. KWWAU hopes that the income differentials are dissolved by improving the minimum wage system.
Read more innovative tactics
How this tactic was adapted in Uganda
Multi-media Communication Efforts for Public Outreach: The Experience of ACTV (PowerPoint, 793KB)
Presentation by Sharon Lamwaka (ACTV, Uganda)
As part of its advocacy and communications work, the African Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV) has engaged in multimedia campaigns to build awareness of torture issues among targeted populations in Uganda. After completing a month-long radio campaign targeting policy makers, ACTV found that many of its own clients had been exposed to the radio messages. They used the demographic profile of their clients to design a broader media campaign targeting a younger (ages 20-35), less-educated group. One-minute radio spots featured a dramatized torture scene, followed by information about the Convention Against Torture and a message providing information about ACTV's services in Kampala and elsewhere.
Using print media, ACTV continues to target higher-educated demographic groups, including refugees, security agents, and the donor community.
Finally, ACTV has created 17-20 minutes television documentaries. Medical professionals discuss torture issues in these short films. Viewer feedback ("I saw you on TV!") has demonstrated the campaign's effectiveness.
Kristin Antin, New Tactics Online Community Builder
How this tactics was adapted in Kenya
Advocacy Journalism and Human Rights Protection (PowerPoint, 295KB)
Presentation by Victor Bwire (Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), Kenya)
The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) takes a three-pronged approach to fighting the use of torture in Kenya, combining rehabilitation, legal services, and advocacy journalism. IMLU began its anti-torture work by combining medical and legal services in order to support victims of torture and to demand justice for specific cases. The organization began its work during a period of national insurgency, when many Kenyans were arrested and died in custody. The government never took responsibility for these deaths or contacted the victims' families. In response, IMLU's founders decided to investigate, conducting post-mortem forensic analysis after any suspicious death reported while in custody, as well as contacting the victims' families and offering free services.
IMLU's individual support services are an integral part of the organization's work. A psychologist or mental health worker assists in the initial evaluation process and provides support. Health and support services are always provided, and every case is documented, even if the case is not appropriate for referral for legal services. Many of the cases that do not go to court will still benefit from media advocacy.
Most cases involve people from the impoverished rural areas, so IMLU asks for help from the public. Through talk shows, radio shows, IMLU's website, and other outlets, IMLU reaches members of the community who willingly offer services, goods, and funding. Public demonstrations of support, including letter-writing campaigns and picketing to demand action, are organized. Media exposure has heightened the profiles of specific cases, empowering the victims of violence and raising awareness about the prevalence of torture. As a result, more people are coming forward with cases of human rights abuses.
There have been overall improvements in the judicial system since IMLU's campaign started. The timeline for processing cases in the legal system has decreased from ten years to about two. Additionally, the government has instituted an open door policy in prisons, which allows people to enter facilities to visit inmates.
Working through a wide network of professional support from doctors, lawyers and journalists, IMLU handles over 1,000 cases of torture, injury, and other rights violations each year, as well as approximately 100 post-mortem cases. IMLU might pay expenses for transportation, accommodations, and related expenses, but professionals are not paid for their work. In terms of its work in the legal system, IMLU pays the administration costs for handling cases, including the forensic work and the legal services.
IMLU provides resources and support to its network of professionals. Training in international protocol and policy, as well as forensic investigation, is offered. A manual to assist doctors in handling torture cases will be available. A handbook for Kenyan journalists is also being prepared, which describes ways to use various media to increase awareness of torture. IMLU maintains close contact with its field workers, offering psychological support for staff who are often exposed to grief and violence. IMLU has been successful in opening treatment centers, which provide services on-site to torture victims, but the same level of legal and media advocacy services are not yet available everywhere.
Kristin Antin, New Tactics Online Community Builder