Deliberations Begin for 2027 Minimum Wage; Delivery Rider Inclusion Key Issue

The Minimum Wage Committee held its first plenary meeting on June 21st to decide the 2027 minimum wage. This meeting, the first official session of the year for determining the 2027 minimum wage, was attended by worker representatives, employer representatives, and public interest commissioners.

The key issue in this discussion is whether to apply the minimum wage to 'contract workers,' including delivery riders and courier drivers. Under current law, the minimum wage applies to 'workers' as defined by the Labor Standards Act, and contract workers, who are often considered independent business operators, have historically been excluded from the minimum wage scope.

The Minister of Employment and Labor requested a review of the possibility of applying the minimum wage to contract wage earners. Accordingly, the committee plans to thoroughly examine the feasibility of minimum wage application, taking into account the work characteristics and wage systems of contract workers.