Following Samsung and Naver, the Telecom Industry Also Introduces 'COVID-19 Vaccine Leave'

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] Following Samsung Electronics and Naver, the telecommunications industry has also started to introduce COVID-19 vaccine leave one after another.

According to the industry on the 20th, KT will apply COVID-19 vaccine leave to its employees starting today. Employees can take up to 3 days of paid leave, including the day of the COVID-19 vaccination.

This follows the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) implementing measures to promote leave for adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine since March.

According to CDSCH guidelines, if adverse reactions occur after vaccination, the vaccinated person can take up to two days of paid leave. No separate proof such as a doctor's note is required for leave applicants. Leave is granted simply upon application.

KT explained, "In accordance with government recommendations, we encourage employees to take leave without a doctor's note if they experience adverse reactions."

LG Uplus also introduced COVID-19 vaccine leave earlier at the LG Group level. Like KT, it is up to 3 days. If adverse reactions persist afterward, employees can take sick leave or annual leave.

SK Telecom, which was the first major domestic company to implement company-wide remote work during the COVID-19 spread last year, is still reviewing vaccine leave. Since it is a matter for labor-management consultation, a decision is expected soon. Its affiliate SK Hynix has already introduced vaccine leave.

Vaccine leave is expanding mainly among large companies as CDSCH recommends it in response to issues of difficulty working due to fever, pain, and other symptoms after vaccination. However, since it is a recommendation and not mandatory, there are criticisms that small and medium-sized enterprises are not actively adopting it.

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