N. Korean factories still suffering from low production
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized increased productivity and a “frontal breakthrough” for the economy during the year-end plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK). Daily NK sources, however, have reported slowed production at many of the country’s factories.
“Among the 180 or so enterprises in the Pyongsong region [near Pyongyang], there are around 35 factories,” a South Pyongan Province source told Daily NK on Dec. 9. “Less than half of these factories are producing at normal levels and, of those, only about five even pay monthly wages.”
The wages provided at those five factories, which are all state-run, are reportedly providing in-kind payments, rather than cash.
“Very few units pay market wages in cash. Most give their employees rice, corn, oil, flour and other goods,” the source said.
“The wages differ depending on the worker’s position, the type of work they do, how long they’ve worked and other factors, but on average it’s equivalent to about KPW 5,000 a month,” he added. ......
[Source: Daily NK]
