SMEs Request Extension of Guidance Period for 52-Hour Workweek to the Democratic Party

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] On the 17th, the small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) sector met with the Democratic Party of Korea's Livelihood Economy Task Force (TF) to request an extension of the guidance period for the 52-hour workweek system.

Leaders of SME organizations held the '3rd Labor and Workforce Committee' at the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, and proposed ▲allowing unemployed (laid-off) workers to join labor unions ▲applying employment insurance to workers in special types of employment ▲paying severance pay to employees with less than one year of service ▲refraining from enacting the Serious Accident Punishment Act.

Attendees included TF Chairperson Yang Hyangja, lawmakers Jeong Pilmo, So Byeongcheol, Oh Younghwan, Kim Munsik, Chairman of the Korea Gas Station Operators Cooperative, and Joo Bowon, Chairman of the Korea Metal Heat Treatment Industry Cooperative.

Chairman Kim said, “This year, SMEs are experiencing unprecedented difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so policies and legislation that invigorate management motivation and corporate vitality are more necessary than ever,” adding, “Policies that increase the burden on companies should be approached with caution.”

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