OFWs in South Korea get pay hike

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos and other foreign workers in South Korea have been granted an increase in the minimum wage.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the minimum wage of Filipino workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS) is now 38,880 Korean won for eight hours of work a day, or the equivalent of $958 a month.

“The new rate represents an increase of 5.76 percent over last year’s minimum wage rate of 36,640 Korean won for eight hours of work rendered,” she said.

Baldoz said the new minimum wage took effect last Jan. 1 and would cover daily minimum wage earners.

However, the new minimum wage shall not apply to workers with disabilities, as well as those working in family businesses, domestic workers, and seafarers, she added.         

The Minimum Wage Council of Korea, the official body comprised of representatives from management, labor, and public interest, mainly academics, that determines the minimum wage, had recommended an increase in  the minimum wage, according to labor officials.

Baldoz said Filipino workers may seek assistance against employers failing to pay the prescribed salary with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.

Some 30,000 Filipinos have been working in South Korea since 2004. Most of them are in the manufacturing sector.