A more flexible system for employers should also reflect laborers' concerns
A blue-ribbon panel to reform the labor market has unveiled a plan to change the working hour system. Last Thursday, the presidential Future Labor Market Research Committee presented a direction to revise the current 52-hour workweek. The plan calls for, among other things, modifying the extended working hour management period from the current weekly to monthly or longer units.?
The 52-hour workweek introduced in 2018 restricts extended working hours over the primary 40 hours to fewer than 12 hours a week. If the change happens as planned by the panel, the weekly working hours can increase to a maximum of 69. President Yoon Suk-yeol has repeatedly expressed his concern about the 52-hour workweek, so the government will likely follow the panel's recommendation.
The president and his administration think the rigid workweek system makes it difficult for companies to operate their workforce efficiently, lowering corporate productivity and adversely affecting the nation's competitiveness. However, policymakers must be wary of putting aside important values while excessively focusing on efficiency. They should never forget the intent of the 52-hour workweek policy, which is aimed at reducing the harmful effects of long hours on workers and guaranteeing workers' right to health.?
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Korea's unionization rate is only 10 percent. Even if workers have union representation, their bargaining power at most small- and medium-sized enterprises is weak. If legal and institutional regulations are loosened, it might revive long hours of labor in many companies. Korea, among the 34 member nations of the OECD, still has the fifth-longest average working hours. Considering various factors, including the stage of economic development, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where creativity is essential, and the desire for work-life balance is ever increasing, reducing working hours is inevitable.?
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Aside from changing the 52-hour workweek system, the panel also called for protecting workers' health by ensuring adequate rest and utilizing various vacations. The government ought to discuss these issues with laborers and resolve any unnecessary misunderstandings or excessive concerns. If the Yoon administration unilaterally pushes ahead with the reform plan, it will face a strong backlash from workers.
A blue-ribbon panel to reform the labor market has unveiled a plan to change the working hour system. Last Thursday, the presidential Future Labor Market Research Committee presented a direction to revise the current 52-hour workweek. The plan calls for, among other things, modifying the extended working hour management period from the current weekly to monthly or longer units.?
The 52-hour workweek introduced in 2018 restricts extended working hours over the primary 40 hours to fewer than 12 hours a week. If the change happens as planned by the panel, the weekly working hours can increase to a maximum of 69. President Yoon Suk-yeol has repeatedly expressed his concern about the 52-hour workweek, so the government will likely follow the panel's recommendation.
The president and his administration think the rigid workweek system makes it difficult for companies to operate their workforce efficiently, lowering corporate productivity and adversely affecting the nation's competitiveness. However, policymakers must be wary of putting aside important values while excessively focusing on efficiency. They should never forget the intent of the 52-hour workweek policy, which is aimed at reducing the harmful effects of long hours on workers and guaranteeing workers' right to health.?
?
Korea's unionization rate is only 10 percent. Even if workers have union representation, their bargaining power at most small- and medium-sized enterprises is weak. If legal and institutional regulations are loosened, it might revive long hours of labor in many companies. Korea, among the 34 member nations of the OECD, still has the fifth-longest average working hours. Considering various factors, including the stage of economic development, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where creativity is essential, and the desire for work-life balance is ever increasing, reducing working hours is inevitable.?
?
Aside from changing the 52-hour workweek system, the panel also called for protecting workers' health by ensuring adequate rest and utilizing various vacations. The government ought to discuss these issues with laborers and resolve any unnecessary misunderstandings or excessive concerns. If the Yoon administration unilaterally pushes ahead with the reform plan, it will face a strong backlash from workers.
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