Row brewing over N. Korea′s wage hike at inter-Korean complex 북측 개성공단 일방적 임금인상

Описание: North Korea has decided to up the salaries of workers at the Kaesong inter-Korean factory complex by around five percent.
South Korea,... which was not consulted prior to the decision,... says Pyongyang′s move is unacceptable.
Connie Kim has more.
In a unilateral move, North Korea has decided to raise its workers′ wages at the inter-Korean joint industrial complex in Kaesong starting from next month.
Seoul′s unification ministry said Thursday, that Pyongyang sent a fax message stating that the minimum wage for North Korean workers would be raised to 74 U.S. dollars from the current 70-dollars and 35-cents.
Additionally, it also plans to collect overtime payments as "social security."
Since opening in 2004, the Kaesong Industrial Complex has been a symbol of inter-Korean economic cooperation, but Pyongyang′s latest action has disappointed Seoul.

"The South Korean government is calling on North Korea to improve current systems at the Kaesong Industrial Complex such as negotiating wages through mutual consultation."
South Korean companies at the joint complex also say a wage settlement is crucial as the hike will likely burden their management systems.
Seoul has offered to meet next month to discuss the issue further, but North Korea declined,... only making matters worse.
Although the South Korean government says it will continue to push for a meeting, analysts doubt it will happen, considering the timing South Korea- U.S. joint military drill are set to kick off next week, despite strong opposition from the North.
Experts say that Pyongyang′s intention lies in getting an upper hand over Seoul in making decisions at the Kaesong Complex, which has been a significant source of income for the North since it opening.
Connie Kim, Arirang News