Labor minister proposes social dialogue over mega cluster bill

Seoul, September 15 - Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon on Tuesday suggested a one-point social dialogue to address concerns over a proposed special bill that would significantly reduce labor regulations within mega-scale semiconductor clusters. The government intends to introduce the "mega cluster bill" by the end of the month, which could exempt managers and researchers in the top 3% income earners from the 52-hour workweek limit, as well as overtime, night, and holiday work allowances.

The current 52-hour workweek rule was enacted in 2018 to prevent overwork. The government is also contemplating extending the basis period for the selective working hour system from one month to six months within the special mega clusters. The selective working hour system allows employees to work intensively during a designated period, provided their total working hours over the basis period do not exceed the limit.

However, South Korea's two major trade unions have strongly opposed the government's plan to relax the 52-hour workweek rule, labeling it as an anti-labor policy and promising to obstruct the proposed special law. At a press conference, Kim emphasized that the bill would include comprehensive regulatory exemptions and policy support, encompassing fiscal measures, financing, and infrastructure development.

He highlighted that the labor provisions under discussion are a crucial component of the bill, as a healthy workforce is essential for corporate value creation and societal progress towards sustainable growth. The minister stressed that the proposed social dialogue would encompass not only the special labor provisions but also any suggestions from labor and management aimed at safeguarding workers' health and boosting corporate productivity.