Migrant worker abused in forklift incident opts not to seek punishment for driver
A migrant worker is tied to cargo and lifted by forklift at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province, as others look on and film, sparking outrage over abuse. Yonhap
A Sri Lankan migrant worker who was subjected to degrading treatment involving a forklift has decided not to pursue punishment for the driver in the incident, according to advocacy groups.
The Gwangju-Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network and the Jeonnam Labor Rights Center said on Wednesday that the worker, a 31-year-old man identified only as A, met with the driver’s legal representative in Naju, South Jeolla Province, the previous day and reached a settlement, including financial compensation.
The details of the agreement were not disclosed, but the group said that A found the emotional toll of facing police and labor authorities too burdensome and was reluctant to meet the driver, identified as B, again.
However, the advocacy group clarified that A's decision not to seek punishment does not equate to forgiveness.
“The victimized migrant worker does not want to suffer further because of this incident,” said Sohn Sung-yong, head of the migrant workers' network. “He does not plan to submit a petition or a statement of non-punishment to the investigative authorities.”
In February, A was subjected to abuse while working at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province. He was tied to cargo and suspended from a forklift operated by B for about five minutes. Unable to endure the mistreatment any longer, A sought help from a labor rights organization, bringing the incident to public attention recently.
President Lee Jae Myung later condemned the act, calling it “an intolerable form of violence against a minority and a clear violation of human rights.”
In response, the Ministry of Employment and Labor launched a comprehensive inspection into workplace abuse and labor law violations involving migrant workers.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.