Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon stated that there is no change in the government's position regarding exceptions to the 52-hour workweek in mega special zones, emphasizing the need for a balance between corporate productivity and workers' health rights. He made these remarks during a National Assembly audit of the Ministry of Employment and Labor on October 13.
Responding to a question from Lee Cheol-kyu, a member of the ruling People Power Party, Kim noted, "There are many aspects that need careful consideration." The government had previously proposed a 'one-point social dialogue' regarding labor exceptions to be included in the special law for mega special zones, which will discuss exemptions from work hour regulations for high-income workers, known as the 'white-collar exemption.' A working group composed of labor, management, and government representatives has met three times to discuss these issues.
Lee questioned whether the stance of Kim and the Democratic Party had changed since they opposed the exemption for research and development (R&D) personnel during the legislative process of the semiconductor special law. He pointed out that while they agreed to financial and tax support, they strongly opposed the exemption for R&D workers. Lee noted that their attitude shifted to a need for discussion following the announcement of the Honam mega special zone.
Regarding social dialogue, Lee stated, "Once a policy decision is made, it should be presented to the public for persuasion and direction. Hiding behind a consensus-based organization is not desirable."
Kim reiterated the need for careful consideration, stating, "For the success of the mega special zone, corporate productivity and the protection of workers' health rights must be harmonized." He also mentioned that the government would act as a facilitator in the dialogue process, aiming to create results through discussions without predetermined outcomes.
The issue of extending the retirement age was also raised. Kim Wi-sang, a member of the People Power Party, asked if there was a willingness to finalize legislation in light of the social issues arising from the mismatch between retirement age and pension eligibility. Kim responded, "I believe it is already late to discuss this today," and emphasized that the retirement age extension bill must be processed within the year. He indicated that the government would promptly present its proposal once a decision is made, as discussions have matured over a long period through the National Assembly task force.
On concerns regarding conflicts between primary and secondary contractors in the public sector due to the Yellow Envelope Law, Kim stated that the Ministry of Labor would actively facilitate smooth negotiations between public sector labor unions and the government.
Kim also expressed the intention to push for legal amendments related to comprehensive wage systems within the year. In response to a suggestion from Lee Yong-woo of the Democratic Party to enshrine the principle of prohibiting comprehensive wage contracts in law, Kim affirmed that a bill regarding comprehensive wages must pass the National Assembly in the second half of the year. He noted that the issue of comprehensive wages, which often leads to unpaid overtime and long working hours, must be eradicated, and he pledged to actively support legislative efforts in the second half of the year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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