Known as one of the strictest countries with workers, South Korea is evaluating a new measure that is highly controversial in the labor sector. In short, the South Korean government is considering raising the weekly workload limit, which can go from 52 to 69 hours. There is support from the private sector.
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Increasing the workload seems like a bad idea
Under current law, companies can become a target of justice if their employees work at least one hour longer than the set limit. According to the sector, this represents a “lack of flexibility” that ultimately leads to “difficulties in meeting deadlines”, as reported by the portal The Korea Times.
In contrast to the increase in working day, Employees would be entitled to an hourly bank. This would allow vacation days to be taken at times more convenient for them, which could mean, for example, a month’s annual leave, but the plan has met with criticism from unions and opposition politicians.
Working Time Saving System
The proposal was announced after a meeting of finance ministers South Korea, Choo Kyungho. Dubbed the “Working Hours Saving System,” the measure has already received support from the private sector and also from the country’s President, Yoon Suk Yeol.
Unlike the current administration, former President Moon Jaein had reduced the maximum working week from 68 hours to 52 hours in 2018. Of this, 40 hours would be the regular provision with a maximum of 12 hours overtime.
The new government claims the increased workload will allow workers to work more hours in weeks with higher demands. During weeks with less work intensity, the number of hours worked can be reduced. Therefore, the measure would not increase the overall workload throughout the year, respecting the limitations of the Ministry of Labour.
New measure has set rules
If an employee works a lot of overtime in one week, they can no longer do so in the following week under the rules of the new measure. In addition, there will also be a mandatory provision of 11 consecutive hours of rest between work shifts.
The Business Federation of Korea has approved the measure, citing the change as a benefit for flexibility, according to The Straits Times. In contrast, the Korea Federation of Trade Unions opposed it, stating that workers would work longer hours than current ones.
“You will die if you work like this. The problem is Yoon Seokyeol,” the union’s Instagram post said. The revision of the law is scheduled to be presented to the National Assembly of South Korea later this year, between June and July.