Shortage of Waste Grab Truck Drivers Intensifies
The demand for waste grab truck drivers, essential for collecting scrap metal, plastic waste, and other refuse, is becoming increasingly difficult to meet. A survey conducted last year by the Korea Recycling Association revealed that out of 438 waste grab trucks operated by its member companies, 44 (10%) are currently out of service due to a lack of drivers. This trend has been rapidly escalating each year.
Aging Workforce and Perceptions of 3D Jobs
Examining the age distribution of grab truck drivers, it becomes evident that 55.8% are in their 50s, while 35.8% are over 60 years old. In stark contrast, only 9.4% of drivers fall between the ages of 20 and 40. This demographic disparity can be attributed to the prevalent perception of such roles as 3D jobs—dirty, difficult, and dangerous—resulting in low employment rates among locals, particularly young people. Despite an average monthly salary ranging from 3.5 to 4 million won, the negative outlook surrounding waste management roles continues to deter potential recruits.
Limits on Hiring Foreign Workers
The government has approved the employment of foreigners on E9 visas (non-professional employment) for the past year, but these workers are restricted to sorting and loading waste and are not permitted to operate grab trucks. This restriction stems from the need for knowledge of driving rules and effective communication on the job. However, those in the waste collection industry argue that driving grab trucks involves following well-defined routes with a low risk of accidents, and they are advocating for the inclusion of foreign workers in driving roles.
Although the hiring of foreign drivers on H2 visas (overseas Koreans, such as ethnic Chinese) is permitted, this group primarily consists of older individuals, highlighting a lack of influx from the younger generation, thereby reducing the effectiveness of this policy. Consequently, a realistic solution being proposed is to allow E9 visa holders who possess international driving licenses to operate grab trucks.
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