New Mutual Aid Association 'Naran' to Support Precarious Workers in Daegu

In Daegu, South Korea, a new initiative called the Daegu Labor Mutual Aid Association, soon to be known as 'Naran,' is preparing to launch. This organization aims to create a vital safety net for the city's precarious workforce, offering support beyond the scope of traditional labor unions. The association's co-representative, Lee Jeong-ah of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Daegu Regional Headquarters, explained the motivation behind the project.

Lee described the daily influx of consultations from workers facing sudden layoffs, delayed wages, and difficulties with industrial accident claims. She noted that while the world is changing, the reality for many workers remains harsh. Recognizing that not all workers can join or benefit from existing unions, especially in a fragmented and smaller regional economy like Daegu's, the association seeks to assist those who are more isolated.

'Naran' is envisioned as more than just a welfare program; it's designed as a connecting force. It aims to be the first point of contact for workers experiencing hardship, such as not receiving wages or facing unexpected job loss. The goal is to build a community where no worker has to suffer alone, providing a support structure for those outside the immediate reach of unionization. This is particularly relevant in Daegu, a city characterized by numerous small businesses, low wages, and a significant number of platform, freelance, and young workers in unstable employment.

The name 'Naran' itself signifies solidarity, meaning to stand side-by-side. Lee emphasized that the greatest fear for workers is not just financial hardship but the isolation and loneliness that accompany it. By organizing workers through unions where possible and providing the mutual aid association as a fallback, the initiative seeks to broaden the support network for laborers. The association plans to take its first steps in November, coinciding with the commemoration of labor activist Jeon Tae-il.