Seoul City’s 'Flexible Work System' Differs from Autonomous Districts' 'Flexible Work System'

Im Seong-cheol, Head of the Gangnam-gu Branch of the Integrated Public Officials Union, Issues a Statement on the 4th Regarding Flexible Working Hours: "In the Case of Seoul, Where Commuting by Private Car Is Not Possible, the Implementation of Flexible Working Hours Can Be Somewhat Effective, but Each Autonomous District Needs to Implement It More Carefully and Flexibly"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The Gangnam-gu Integrated Public Officials Union has drawn attention by pointing out issues in the implementation process of the flexible working hours system initiated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to disperse public transportation usage times and reduce COVID-19 transmission.

Im Seong-cheol, head of the Gangnam-gu branch of the Integrated Public Officials Union (photo), stated on the 4th, "The start time has been changed to 10 a.m., and except for essential personnel, the system is being implemented to minimize inconvenience to civil complaints. Before confirmed cases appeared, I thought it was one of the necessary measures, but as confirmed cases emerged in our district and the emergency work system was adopted, I believe the personnel limit is an inappropriate measure for the current situation," criticizing the policy.

He argued that the term ‘flexible’ in the flexible working hours system is misleading and that instead of only delaying start times, conditions should be created to allow work to begin earlier, such as at 6 or 7 a.m.

Im said, "Contrary to the original intent, because the number of necessary personnel is fixed, employees who commute on foot or by private car, who do not use public transportation, are included as flexible work participants. Due to the late start, they now use public transportation, and although it was expected that congestion would decrease, many private companies also start work late, so public transportation remains crowded before and after implementation."

He also criticized that flexible workers, due to late start times, sometimes work until midnight, but their overtime work is not recognized despite being flexible workers.

Im added, "In Seoul, where commuting by private car is impossible, the flexible working hours system can be somewhat effective, but each autonomous district needs to implement it more cautiously and flexibly. Therefore, we request improvements from the General Affairs Department."

He also proposed operating temporary shuttle buses to minimize external contact and prevent employee infections.

He emphasized the need for positive review and active acceptance to actively respond to public official infections that could lead to workplace closures and prevent greater disasters.

Im concluded, "I ask for efficient administration that works together with employees to prevent an epidemic of unknown duration."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.