Photo credit: NBC News
The Korean government has launched an emergency special investigation of a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla, on Thursday
after revelations of group harassment against a foreign worker.
Kore JoongAng Daily reports that the Ministry of Employment and Labor said on Thursday that it had become aware of an incident at a brick manufacturing business in Naju where a foreign worker was tied to bricks and moved by a forklift which is a serious violation of labor rights.
The case surfaced after a video was released showing a Sri Lankan worker being harassed by colleagues. The clip shows the man ties and hoisted by a forklift while other workers look on, laughing and mocking him.
The worker eventually sought help from a migrants’ workers network, unable to endure the harassment. The group held a press conference in front of Naju City Hall on Thursday and called for a thorough investigation and punishment for those responsible.
As a result of the seriousness of the case, the ministry has said it would investigate the assault and workplace harassment of the foreign worker. It would also conduct a full labor law inspection and possible wage arrears.
The government plans to carry out further targeted inspections in rural areas where labor conditions are often poor, based on tips and past reports.
