The government has proposed a "one-point social dialogue" regarding labor exemptions set to be introduced in the Mega Special Zone Act. The primary topics for discussion are expected to include the "white-collar exemption," which would allow exceptions to working hour regulations for high-income workers, and the "2+2" extension for temporary workers, which would permit an additional two years of employment with worker consent.
Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, held a briefing on September 15 at the Government Seoul Complex, stating, "The labor exemptions being discussed in the process of establishing the Mega Special Zone Act are uncharted territory for our society," and he proposed a "one-point social dialogue" related to these labor exemptions.
This proposal comes as the government accelerates the enactment of the Mega Special Zone Act. Earlier, the ruling party and the government agreed to introduce the bill in the form of a parliamentary proposal this month, aiming for its passage within the year. However, the inclusion of labor exemption provisions such as the white-collar exemption and the 2+2 extension has sparked significant backlash from labor groups.
In response, labor representatives have suggested social dialogue. President Lee Jae-myung met with Kim Dong-myung, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, and Yang Kyung-soo, chairman of the Korean Federation of Trade Unions, on September 3 to discuss labor issues. During that meeting, the two major labor unions proposed resolving the labor exemption issues of the Mega Special Zone Act through social dialogue, to which President Lee agreed.
The government plans to engage in discussions with the two major labor unions, as well as business groups such as the Korea Employers Federation and the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses. Since the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions is not participating in the Economic, Social and Labor Council, the government aims to initiate a separate social dialogue focused on this matter. The Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Office for Government Policy Coordination will participate in these discussions. Minister Kim noted that there is also the possibility for the Economic, Social and Labor Council to be involved in the discussions.
While the topics for discussion are open, they are expected to primarily focus on the white-collar exemption and the 2+2 extension. Minister Kim remarked, "The labor exemptions being discussed in the Mega Special Zone Act are uncharted territory for our society," adding, "There will inevitably be differences of opinion between companies requesting exemptions and workers expressing concerns."
He further stated, "From a labor time perspective, the business sector's demand for a white-collar exemption is a given, while the labor sector is advocating for a four-day workweek. If dialogue begins, the government will provide sufficient objective data to facilitate in-depth discussions among the stakeholders involved, based on the accumulated surveys and findings."
However, there are concerns about whether an agreement can be reached between labor and management, given the unresolved conflicts within the government. The Minister of Employment and Labor and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy have previously expressed differing opinions on several occasions.
In this regard, a Labor Ministry official stated, "The government's inability to reach a conclusion is due to the differences in opinions between labor and management. Since the positions of both sides are in opposition, it was deemed necessary to engage in further dialogue rather than reaching a unilateral conclusion."
Additionally, the official noted, "While this can be seen as a significant social dialogue, there have been smaller deals recently regarding work hours and retirement pensions to implement national tasks. We will strive to ensure that this social dialogue is conducted effectively."
As the ruling party and government plan to proceed with legislation this month, there are concerns that the social dialogue may be a mere formality. In response, a Labor Ministry official stated, "No clear decisions have been made yet," adding, "We have already engaged in discussions for about three months regarding actual work hour reductions and retirement pensions. If the parties involved share a mutual understanding of the need for dialogue, a three-month period for social dialogue should be sufficient."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.