Forced labor – dissatisfaction builds over non-payment of wages
“Please send me home” for long-term stay abroad
In January, 2,000 people protested in Jilin, China.
It has been reported that North Korean workers dispatched to Dandong, China, are refusing to go to work en masse at the factory. Previously, in January, it was reported that about 2,000 North Korean workers occupied a factory and staged a large-scale demonstration in Helong, Jilin Province, China, to protest against non-payment of wages. There is an interpretation that a series of unrest among North Korean workers dispatched overseas who are dissatisfied with poor working conditions is in full swing.
Cho Han-beom, senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said in a phone call with the Dong-A Ilbo on the 29th, “According to what we confirmed through local sources, dozens of workers in Dandong, China, are collectively refusing to go to work in mid-February under the condition of ‘sending them to their hometowns.’” He said. He also said, “The North Korean authorities are also dispatching a consul to the scene to resolve the matter, but the atmosphere is not easy.”
Commissioner Cho said, “These people are experiencing homesickness after staying in China for a long period of time, and their dissatisfaction is building up as they endure delayed wages and forced labor from the authorities.” He went on to say, “Due to the control of the North Korean authorities, they cannot freely contact their homes,” adding, “It is said that there have been cases where people have made extreme choices due to the aftereffects of long-term stays.”
Most North Korean workers staying in China due to the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) have not been able to return to their hometowns for more than four years. When North Korea opened its borders last year, it attempted to return dispatched workers who were overdue for their shift and replace them with new workers, but it is known to have suffered setbacks due to non-cooperation from the Chinese authorities. As a result, complaints from workers staying for long periods of time are accumulating. The dispatch of North Korean workers overseas is a violation of the UN Security Council’s resolution on sanctions against North Korea. It is known that approximately 90,000 North Korean workers are currently working in China.
Regarding the incident in January this year when North Korean workers rioted at 15 factories in Helong, China, protesting non-payment of wages, Commissioner Cho said, “An inspection team was dispatched and an investigation into the entire incident was conducted. “About 100 people involved in the incident entered North Korea via bus,” he said.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.