Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan stated on August 12 that discussions are ongoing regarding various forms of labor systems, including the white-collar exemption from the 52-hour workweek.
During a meeting of the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, and Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, Kim responded to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Won-ii about whether the special law for mega special zones would include exceptions for working hours. He noted, "Labor hours and environments have changed as industrial conditions have evolved."
He emphasized that the government, labor, and industry are currently engaged in close discussions. Kim also acknowledged that there are differing views with the Ministry of Employment and Labor regarding the application of the 52-hour workweek exemption. In response to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Seo Ji-young about Employment Minister Kim Young-hoon's statement that the exemption is not possible, he said, "From the Minister of Labor's perspective, that may be a valid viewpoint."
Kim reiterated his belief that the system should not undermine the aspirations and determination of those who work hard to achieve success. He also mentioned that discussions regarding the relaxation of the 52-hour workweek regulation were raised during a public-private joint meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung. Previously, on August 10, the government held a second public-private joint inspection meeting at the Blue House with representatives from companies involved in mega projects, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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