A major North Korean online propaganda outlet has demanded that the issue of wages for North Korean employees in the Kaesong Complex be put at the top of the agenda at the working group meeting scheduled for February 1st.
“Uriminzokkiri” (being amongst our nation), which is run by the North Korean Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, insisted today that, “Raising workers’ wage in accordance with the international inflation rate is an essential issue for the effective management of the Kaesong Industrial Complex.”
“The average wage of Kaesong Workers is just $57, which is far below the level of other international economic special zones. In practice this is worthless, so the wage level should be drastically raised.”
The article went on, “In six years rice prices have risen more than 200%, but wages only 15%, from $50 to $57.80. The minimum cost of living for a family of four is more than $120, needed only to cover basic food and fuel costs.”
In an associated news article released on Uriminzokkiri, “Intentional maneuver to break down the working group meeting,” North Korea claimed, “South Korea reiterates that wages and rates of increase have already been set within the regulations of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, which was signed a long time ago.”
“South Korea does not have any interest in the fundamental issues for the Complex which were suggested by us, or any intention of putting them on the negotiating table.”
