Gyeonggi Province Revitalizes 'Non-Regular Worker Clubs'...Investing 240 Million Won This Year

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] Gyeonggi Province announced on the 5th that it will implement the '2022 Non-Regular Worker Club Support Project' in collaboration with four institutions to revitalize club activities among non-regular workers in the province.

The 'Non-Regular Worker Club Support Project' aims to provide non-regular and small-to-medium enterprise workers who face difficulties with leisure activities due to economic reasons with opportunities to enjoy culture and arts, and to strengthen solidarity consciousness among workers.

This year, through public recruitment, four organizations have been selected as regional project implementers: ▲'Suwon Non-Regular Worker Welfare Center' for the Southeastern region ▲'Ansan Non-Regular Worker Support Center' for the Southwestern region ▲'Gyeonggi Northern Labor and Human Rights Center' for the Northeastern region ▲'Paju Labor Hope Center' for the Northwestern region.

The 'Southeastern region' covers 10 cities/counties including Suwon, Seongnam, Yongin, Anseong, Icheon, Yeoju, Gwangju, Hanam, Yangpyeong, and Pyeongtaek; the 'Southwestern region' covers 11 cities/counties including Gimpo, Bucheon, Gwangmyeong, Siheung, Ansan, Gwacheon, Anyang, Gunpo, Uiwang, Hwaseong, and Osan; the 'Northeastern region' covers 7 cities/counties including Gapyeong, Pocheon, Guri, Namyangju, Dongducheon, Yeoncheon, and Yangju; the 'Northwestern region' covers 3 cities/counties including Goyang, Paju, and Uijeongbu.

Each project implementer will select non-regular worker clubs to receive support this year through transparent and fair public recruitment and screening, providing assistance with club activities across various occupations and fields.

Selected clubs will receive support for club operations and cultural event expenses through the project implementers, and can also promote club activation through expert support groups.

Additionally, joint performances, presentations, and exhibitions will be held to share outcomes.

To this end, a total of 240 million won in project funding will be invested. The Southeastern and Southwestern regions will each receive 70 million won, while the Northeastern and Northwestern regions will each receive 50 million won.

The province expects this project to contribute significantly to the advancement of labor human rights by promoting rejuvenation and rest for non-regular workers, activating cultural and arts activities, and strengthening solidarity consciousness among workers.

Meanwhile, despite the prolonged difficulties from COVID-19 last year, the province discovered and supported a total of 85 non-regular worker clubs across four regions, and successfully held a joint presentation by non-regular worker clubs in December of last year.

The Director of the Labor Policy Division of Gyeonggi Province stated, "Given that vulnerable workers in harsh labor conditions have often been unable to enjoy cultural activities, we hope this project will improve their quality of life," and added, "Going forward, we will continue efforts to enhance the rights and interests of workers who are the driving force of Gyeonggi Province's development."

Clubs wishing to receive project support can inquire by region: for the Southeastern region, contact Suwon Non-Regular Worker Welfare Center (031-548-1888); for the Southwestern region, Ansan Non-Regular Worker Support Center (031-487-4870); for the Northeastern region, Gyeonggi Northern Labor and Human Rights Center (031-859-4847); for the Northwestern region, Paju Labor Hope Center (031-949-0248).