Public disagreement emerged between the Ministers of Industry and Labor over the core issue of the 'Weekly 52-Hour Workweek Exemption,' a key provision in the Mega Special Zone Special Act being promoted by the government. While the Minister of Industry urged improvements to the weekly 52-hour work system to enhance industrial competitiveness, the Minister of Labor maintained a cautious stance, creating divergent perspectives that call for a decisive policy resolution at the government level.
Kim Jeong-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated at a Gwanhun seminar held on the 6th at the Seoul Press Center: "The weekly 52-hour issue is not solely a problem of the Semiconductor Act. The system must not stifle the will of people striving to achieve through hard work or their R&D (research and development) enthusiasm." He added, "While minimum rules are necessary, the weekly 52-hour work system needs adjustment."
Kim (Minister) also cited cases of working hour restrictions imposed on Chinese companies. He noted, "When a certain IT company in Chongqing, China, attempted to introduce working hour regulations, workers protested by asking, 'How can we compete with other companies if we work like this?' and 'Why are you preventing us from wanting to work?'" He further pointed out that "China faces fierce internal competition as well."
He also emphasized, "R&D and startups are domains where young people have nothing but the will to contribute their minds and efforts. The government must not forcibly block the aspirations of youth."
In contrast, Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, expressed a cautious stance on applying the weekly 52-hour workweek exemption during a press briefing held the previous day. He stated, "Even now, major domestic semiconductor companies are operating under the weekly 52-hour system while generating enormous profits." He added, "The debate over the weekly 52-hour exemption has become excessive, as if it were absolutely necessary, making healthy discussion difficult."
Kim (Minister) also raised concerns about discussions treating the weekly 52-hour exemption as indispensable, stating, "Are we really lagging behind and catching up to overseas competitors in that way?"
in ECONOMY
