Abstract

 

Three years have passed since a living wage was introduced into the public sector in Seoul. After implementation of a living wage, various effects have appeared gradually, and it seems that it is appropriate to evaluate this policy at the present time. Researches on the outcomes associated with performance of a living wage have already been conducted systematically overseas. These researches show that the performance of a living wage has a nearly positive effect on workers, businesses and the public sector. As the initial discussion on domestic living wage had progressed with a focus on the introduction and implementation of the policy, there are no detailed researches on the outcome of a living wage.

In this study, we have prepared a logical basis for the spread of a living wage by concretely investigating and analysing the results from the public sector accompanying the enforcement of a living wage and ensuring the legitimacy of introducing the policy. Through questionnaire surveys targeting living wage-earning workers, interviews with stakeholders related to the policy, etc., we derived the performances and suggestions for the policy associated with the enforcement of a living wage. Consequentially, we became aware of the fact that a living wage is directly useful for workers from vulnerable classes in which people who benefit from the enforcement of a living wage are workers from relatively vulnerable groups.

 

Contents

01 Introduction

1_Background and Purpose of the Study

2_Contents and Research Methods

 

02 Current State of the Living Wage Enforcement in Korea

1_The Concept of a Living Wage is Spreading Nationwide

2_Seoul Plays a Leading Role in Enforcing a Living Wage

3_Settling in Progress of a Living Wage in the Autonomous Region of Seoul

 

03 Case Study for Measurement of Living Wage Performance

1_Expected Positive and Negative Effects According to Enforcement of a Living Wage

2_Positive Performance of Enforcement of a Living Wage Proved as a Result of Research

3_Raising Voices of Concern about Enforcement of a Living Wage

 

04 Performance of a Living Wage in Seoul

1_Living Wage is a Policy that Has Provided Substantial Help to Low-Wage Workers

2_According to the Circumstances, the Degree of Affirmative Feeling of a Living Wage Differs

3_There is a Difference in Perception of a Living Wage, but a Positive Evaluation is Predominant

 

05 Implications and Policy Suggestions

1_Implications

2_Policy Suggestions