“We respect migrant workers not as a simple labor force but as valued members of the company.”

This is the phrase written on the ‘Migrant Workers Happy Workplace Declaration’ posted on the wall of the Hyundai Hitech plant in Docheok-myeon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, which was visited on the 28th of last month. The declaration included items such as respect for migrant workers, a workplace without discrimination or prejudice, and respecting each other’s cultural backgrounds. Safety notices in foreign languages were posted in front of the workers. Emergency response procedures were displayed in the workers’ native languages. Throughout the factory, there were also posters written in a variety of languages.

This company, which produces vehicle electronic components, received the highest score this year in Gyeonggi Province’s ‘Migrant Workers Happy Workplace’ selection program.

Of the 50 workers at Hyundai Hitech, 15 are of migrant background. Ten are working on employment visas, and five, after working at the factory, have naturalized as Korean citizens. Workers with migrant backgrounds from countries such as China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia have all become indispensable core personnel at the plant.

The company has made various efforts to create a workplace where migrant workers can be treated equally. First, through its employment rules, it applies a zero-tolerance policy to human rights violations and workplace bullying against migrant workers. It also operates a grievance counseling center to prevent various forms of bullying and wrongdoing that may arise internally.

Each year, it selects a top employee and operates an award program that invites family members from abroad and supports lodging and living expenses. Most migrant workers currently employed have long tenures of more than 10 years. Loan (40), a Vietnamese national now in the 12th year at the company, said, “A friend who worked here earlier recommended it as a really good company, so I joined, and I am still working here. I like that it treats everyone equally regardless of nationality.”

Lee Sang-jin, head of division at Hyundai Hitech, said, “I believe corporate competitiveness ultimately comes from people,” adding, “We will continue to create a workplace where all workers are respected, beyond nationality and culture.”

Yuseong P&D, another company selected as a Migrant Workers Happy Workplace (based in Icheon), provides safety training with materials translated into workers’ native languages and with audiovisual content. It also offers Korean-language classes to help them settle in well. A year-round grievance desk is operated to address difficulties encountered in life in Korea together. In particular, while improving dormitories, it also provides halal meals during Ramadan in consideration of different national cultures.

Ahn Jae-sung, a director at Yuseong P&D, said, “A very simple principle: there is no discrimination between citizens and immigrants,” adding, “We apply fair standards to everything from work instructions and evaluations to welfare benefits. We hope to serve as a good example and make a small contribution to spreading a workplace culture of mutual growth and inclusion.”

Gyeonggi Province’s ‘Happy Workplace Selection Program’ is a system that selects and supports exemplary companies that have created environments where migrant workers can work with peace of mind and in good health. Its intent is to foster workplaces that move beyond mere hiring to build work environments that consider migrant workers’ safety and human rights. Launched last year by Gyeonggi Province as the first of its kind nationwide, it has earned positive reviews, being selected as a best practice by the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

Eligible applicants are manufacturing businesses located in Gyeonggi Province with 50 or fewer Korean national employees that are hiring migrant workers. Fifteen companies were selected last year and this year, respectively. Selected companies receive up to 10 million won in funds to improve their environments. The support funds are used for facility renovations, safety equipment, and upgrades to welfare facilities such as dormitories, cafeterias, and break rooms.

An official at the Gyeonggi Province Job Foundation said on the 6th, “As the importance of protecting the safety and rights of migrant workers grows, it is important to support companies so that they can voluntarily improve their working environments,” adding, “Through the Happy Workplace program, we will take the lead in spreading a workplace culture of mutual growth.”