“ We respect migrant workers not as mere labor but as valued members of our company. ”

This sentence appeared 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 respect for migrant workers, a workplace free of discrimination and prejudice, and respect for cultural backgrounds. Safety precautions written in foreign languages were also posted in front of the workers. Instructions on how to respond in an emergency were written in workers’ native languages. Around the plant, there were also posters labeled in the languages of various nationalities.

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

Of the 50 workers at Hyundai Hitech, 15 have migrant backgrounds. Ten are employed on work visas, and five became naturalized Korean citizens after working at the plant. Migrant-background workers 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 receive equal treatment. 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 malpractice inside the organization.

There is also an award program that, each year, selects a top employee and invites family members who live abroad, providing support for lodging and living expenses. Most migrant workers currently employed are long-term employees who have worked for more than 10 years.

Loan (40), a Vietnamese national and a 12th-year employee, 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 everyone is treated equally regardless of nationality. ” Lee Sang-jin, head of division at Hyundai Hitech, said, “ I believe corporate competitiveness ultimately comes from people, ” and added, “ We will continue to build a workplace where all workers are respected, across nationalities and cultures. ”

Yuseong P&D, another company selected as a Migrant Workers Happy Workplace and located in Icheon, provides safety training using translated materials in native languages and audiovisual resources. It also offers Korean-language classes to help migrant workers settle in well. A standing grievance desk is in operation, and the company works together with workers to resolve difficulties they face in life in Korea. In particular, while improving dormitories, it also provides halal meals during Ramadan in consideration of the cultures of different countries.

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

The Happy Workplace selection program in Gyeonggi Province is a system that selects and supports outstanding companies that have created environments where migrant workers can work safely and healthily. Launched last year by Gyeonggi Province as the first initiative of its kind nationwide, it has been well received and was chosen as a best practice by the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

Eligible applicants are manufacturing companies located in Gyeonggi Province that employ migrant workers and have 50 or fewer Korean nationals on staff. Fifteen companies were selected last year and again this year. Selected companies receive up to $7,500 (10,000,000 KRW) in environmental improvement funds. The support funds are used for workplace repairs and remodeling, safety equipment, and improvements to welfare facilities such as dormitories, cafeterias, and break rooms.

An official at the Gyeonggi Job Foundation said on the 6th, “ We will actively take the lead in spreading a workplace culture of mutual growth through the Happy Workplace program. ”