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Tue, November 13, 2018 | 09:17

National > Labor & environment >

Japan kills 122 pregnant whales for research

More than 120 pregnant whales were killed during Japan's “science research” hunt in the Southern Ocean last summer, a recent report suggests. Minke whales, 333 in total, were caught during the country's annual scientific whaling program. Among them, 122 were pregnant and 114 were immature, according to documents from a meeting of the International Whaling Commission's scienti...

Labor & environment | 2018-05-30 17:44

Seoul to ban old diesel vehicles on fine dust days

Starting next month, drivers of old, diesel-powered vehicles driven between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. in Seoul amid fine-dust alerts will be fined 100,000 won ($89), the city government said, Tuesday. Over 2.2 million such vehicles registered before Dec. 31, 2005 will be immediately subject to the ban from June 1. Those equipped with exhaust-reducing air treatment systems will be exempt from the ban. A nine-month grace period will be allowed to drivers of vehicles registered in non-Seoul regions, old cargo trucks that weigh below 2.5 tons and drivers with disabilities, giving them time to get equipp...

Labor & environment | 2018-05-29 17:13

The government nearing deadline to set minimum wage

It is uncertain whether the government will determine next year's minimum wage by the deadline of next month amid intensifying opposition from unions to a law revision governing it. The Minimum Wage Commission plans to hold a two-week plenary session, June 14, before coming up with the new minimum wage for 2019 by June 28. However, the country's two main umbrella unions are standing firm against the revision, threatening to skip the planned talks. The National Assembly passed the bill Monday, paving the way for it to take effect next year.

Labor & environment | 2018-05-29 17:00

Dongdaemun suffocates under piles of trash

Residents in Seoul's Dongdaemun district are battling mounting garbage piles after its trash collector closed its disposal facility for an annual systems audit.

Labor & environment | 2018-05-29 14:06

Minimum wage to include bonuses, welfare benefits

Lawmakers have agreed to include regular bonuses and various welfare benefits as part of the minimum wage. According to the agreement reached by the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee, Friday, regular bonuses exceeding 25 percent of the minimum wage and benefits such as lodging and transportation surpassing 7 percent of it will be included in the calculation of...

Labor & environment | 2018-05-25 16:24

Gov't to crack down on smoking cafes

The Ministry of Health and Welfare recently announced its plan to crack down on so-called smoking cafes.Such cafes with an area of more than 75 square meters will be designated as non-smoking zones in July. Those smaller than 75 square meters will be designated as non-smoking zones next January.

Labor & environment | 2018-05-25 16:16

Seoul Metro to become quake-resistant

Seoul Metro will spend 93.8 billion won (87.3 million) to strengthen structures on it subway lines 1 through 4 to withstand earthquakes up to 6.3 magnitude, the city government said Monday.

Labor & environment | 2018-05-24 20:27

Asia gathers to resolve water problems

An international body organized by K-water to tackle water problems has begun holding a board meeting.

Labor & environment | 2018-05-24 16:05

Thermal-paper receipts 'toxic,' report shows

Retail store cashiers who handle thermal-paper receipts risk being exposed to a harmful chemical, research shows.

Labor & environment | 2018-05-24 15:41

Korea to set limits on operation of coal-fired power plants

South Korea will adopt stronger regulations on aged coal-fired power plants and increase use of low-carbon fuels to reduce air pollution, the energy ministry said Wednesday.

Labor & environment | 2018-05-23 11:32

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Choking on worsening air pollution