Overtime to Be Allowed in IT Sector
South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon stressed on June 16 the need to address the difficulties of domestic companies in implementing the 52-hour work week system.
Kim said during a meeting with economic officials that the government should put the focus on ensuring that the new system takes roots rather than cracking down on violators.
Kim said that the government would allow overtime in certain sectors such as the information communication and technology (ICT) industry in its bid to address the practical difficulties that Korean companies face in transitioning to a shorter work week arrangement.
“The government will exert efforts to ease the difficulties of domestic companies by the end of this year to help the new system make a soft landing," said Kim during an economic ministers meeting held at the Government Complex in Seoul
The meeting was held after Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon recently decided to set up a six month grace period for the 52-hour workweek system.
Kim said, “Efforts by employers will be adequately recognized should the employers be placed in legal troubles after being accused of violating the law. In cases where overtime work is inevitable, we will come up with specific plans where companies can get government permission.”