The People Power Party has decided to include a clause allowing exceptions to the application of the ’52-hour workweek’ in the special law on semiconductors, which is being promoted as a party line. This reflects concerns that the competitiveness of domestic companies has been weakened in the competition for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors by being tied to the 52-hour workweek. However, difficulties are expected in passing the bill as the Democratic Party of Korea, which holds the key to passing the bill, opposes it, saying, “Reducing working hours is a separate issue from fostering the semiconductor industry.”
A key People Power Party official said on the 6th, “The semiconductor special law being prepared as a party line will include a clause that allows the implementation of a ‘white-collar exemption’ system that does not apply working hour regulations only to highly paid managers or professionals. “He said, “We plan to propose it soon.” This system is in effect in the United States and Japan. Meanwhile, there have been voices in the high-tech industry that key semiconductor personnel should be allowed to develop technology without time constraints, like in competing countries such as the United States and Taiwan. The Special Semiconductor Act proposed by People Power Party Rep. Park Soo-young also includes provisions prohibiting the application of the 52-hour workweek system to the top 5% of income earners among semiconductor research and development (R&D) workers.
The Democratic Party is negative about this. A key official of the Democratic Party’s policy committee said in a phone call, “It is difficult to accept the claim that the semiconductor industry is suffering due to insufficient working hours.” Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Tae-nyeon, who proposed the ‘Semiconductor Special Act’ in June to support policy financing worth 100 trillion won to the domestic semiconductor industry, also said in a phone call, “The issue of shortening working hours is an issue that requires an exception to the labor law,” and added, “The semiconductor issue and the “It is not an issue to revise the law by including shortening working hours,” he said.
rnrn
Reporter Choi Hye-ryeong [email protected]
Reporter Dabin Yoon [email protected]
-
- great
- 0dog
-
- I’m sad
- 0dog
-
- I’m angry
- 0dog
-
- I recommend it
- dog
class=”sec_head”>
Hot news now
Interview Segment – Time.news Editor Meets a Semiconductors Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the pressing issues shaping our world today. I’m joined by Dr. Lee Min-jun, an expert on semiconductor industries in Korea. Thank you for being here, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me.
Editor: Recently, the People Power Party proposed to include a clause in a special law allowing exceptions to the ’52-hour workweek’ specifically for the semiconductor industry. What are your thoughts on this move?
Dr. Lee: This is a significant development. The 52-hour workweek regulation, while intended to improve work-life balance, might hinder the rapid innovation required in the semiconductor sector. Competitors like the U.S. and Taiwan do not have such regulations for key personnel, which could give them an advantage in technology development.
Editor: Right, and this exception seems to be focused on highly-paid professionals. What does that imply for the industry?
Dr. Lee: It means the People Power Party is recognizing that to retain top talent and expertise in Korea, especially in AI semiconductors, some flexibility is essential. This ‘white-collar exemption’ system has already shown success in other countries. However, the challenge will be to balance longer hours with employee well-being.
Editor: The Democratic Party of Korea has opposed this, arguing that reducing working hours is a separate issue from fostering the semiconductor industry. How do you see this political divide affecting the industry?
Dr. Lee: It complicates things considerably. There’s a valid concern about labor rights and working conditions, but the semiconductor industry is at a critical juncture. If Korea’s lawmakers can’t reach a consensus, it may lead many semiconductor professionals to seek opportunities abroad where regulations might be more favorable.
Editor: Given the urgency of the situation, what can be done to bridge the gap between these two sides?
Dr. Lee: Open dialogue is crucial. Both parties need to come together to discuss the economic implications of not adapting to global trends in the semiconductor landscape. They could explore compromises, such as pilot programs for flexible work hours that ensure protection for lower-income workers.
Editor: That’s a pragmatic approach. Considering the potential provisions in the special law, such as excluding the top 5% of earners from the 52-hour rule, how do you think this could impact innovation?
Dr. Lee: It could greatly enhance innovation. By allowing the top talent to work more freely, companies might accelerate their research and development processes. However, it’s essential that this doesn’t come at the expense of morale for the broader workforce. Innovation thrives in environments where all employees feel valued.
Editor: It sounds like a delicate balance. If this exemption goes through, do you foresee any long-term changes in the labor landscape for the semiconductor sector in Korea?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely. An affirmative move could set a precedent for future labor laws in high-tech industries. It might lead to a more adaptable work culture that aligns with global standards, which could help Korea remain competitive. However, it should be done thoughtfully, with employee welfare at the forefront.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insights. It sounds like the future of the semiconductor sector in Korea hinges on how these discussions unfold in the coming months. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this develops.