Labor and government differ on the passage of bills related to reduction of working hours
According to the press, officials from the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae), the ruling party, and the government have agreed to pass bills related to the reduction of working hours as soon as possible. However, the KCTU (Korean Confederation Trade Unions) released a statement criticizing that extra pay for overlapping hours of holiday work will not be allowed. The FKTU (Federation of Korean Trade Unions) stated that the current administrative interpretation should be abolished and that there was no need to proceed with legislation. Regarding extra pay for overlapping hours of holiday work, the FKTU plans to wait for the Supreme Court ruling.
Won-shik Woo, floor leader of the Minjoo Party, proposed adjustments to bring in extra pay for overlapping hours of holiday work along with a 52-hour work week in stages according to company size. However, no consensus on this has been reached in the ruling party itself.
Meanwhile, the FKTU Central Executive Council met on 13 December and discussed its plans for action to reduce working hours. Some members of the Council expressed their views that abolishment of the policy pact on presidential election pledges would be considered if the government excluded extra pay for overlapping hours of holiday work.