Former employees slam Panamanian consulate in Busan over unpaid severance

Social Affairs

Published: 02 Jul. 2024, 18:54 Updated: 02 Jul. 2024, 19:29

Former employees slam Panamanian consulate in Busan over unpaid severance

The employer confirmation letter regarding unpaid wages received by one of the employees from the Busan Regional Employment and Labor Office [COURTESY OF THE EMPLOYEE]

Former employees of the Panamanian Embassy's Busan Consular Office in Korea accused the consulate of unfair treatment, citing unpaid severance and the installation of intrusive security camera surveillance.

"For two months, the consulate has not provided an explanation for not paying severance," one of the employees said under the condition of anonymity. "Delays in adjusting for domestic minimum wage increases were often attributed to approval from headquarters. Similar delays are suspected in severance payments."

Three employees, who primarily handled duties related to issuing navigation licenses required for ships docking at Busan Port from Panama, resigned simultaneously on April 17 and filed complaints with the Busan Regional Employment and Labor Office. The labor office's wage arrears certificate confirmed their employment at the consulate from March 2019 to April 2024 and underscored unpaid severance amounting to 17.6 million won (nearly $12,700).

View inside the office of Panama Consulate's Busan Consular Office captured through installed security camera. Employees claim improper monitoring of their activities. [COURTSEY OF THE EMPLOYEE]

With tenures ranging from 5 to 30 years, these employees claimed their resignations stemmed from unfair work directives and intrusive security camera surveillance. They alleged the consulate instructed them to increase the volume of navigation licenses issued, and when they refused, they faced dismissal pressures.

"Despite expressing dissent, a security camera was installed to monitor activity inside the Busan consulate," the employee said.

The consulate defended the camera installation, citing concerns over attendance and employees leaving workstations during office hours.

A consulate official said they have reported and reviewed the matter internally but declined further comment.

The employees asked to file a lawsuit through the Korea Legal Aid Corporation regarding the severance payment issue.

"Despite seeking assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we received a response citing their inability to intervene in labor disputes," the employee said. "We will now seek our rights through legal action."

"Nearly 100 overseas missions in Korea employ thousands of Koreans, and there are many cases where these employees did not receive their severance pay," said Jung Bong-soo, a labor attorney from Kang Nam Labor Law Firm specializing in advising employees of overseas missions in Korea. "In such instances, they can file a lawsuit against the respective country. Diplomatic immunity applies only to criminal matters, not civil disputes."

BY KIM MIN-JU [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]