Discussion on the 'Substitute Holiday' Legislation to Conclude on the 22nd

Seo Young-kyo, Chairperson of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, is conducting a legislative public hearing on the 16th during the committee's plenary session to discuss the expansion of substitute holidays.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Discussions on the enactment of the "Act on Public Holidays," which focuses on expanding substitute holidays, are expected to conclude on the 22nd.

The National Assembly's Administrative Safety Committee Bill Review Subcommittee 1 concluded its meeting on the 17th, deciding to clarify the relationship with existing laws more precisely.

Currently, substitute holidays follow the Presidential Decree "Regulations on Public Holidays of Government Offices." This regulation defines public holidays for government offices as ▲Sundays ▲National holidays including March 1st Movement Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, and Hangul Day ▲January 1st ▲Lunar New Year holidays ▲Buddha's Birthday (8th day of the 4th lunar month) ▲May 5th (Children's Day) ▲June 6th (Memorial Day) ▲Chuseok holidays ▲December 25th (Christmas Day).

Among these, the days that can be designated as substitute holidays are Lunar New Year, Chuseok, and Children's Day. The proposed bill under discussion includes provisions to designate all public holidays that fall on weekends as substitute holidays. The Democratic Party of Korea has stated it will handle this bill within the current temporary session of the National Assembly, and opposition parties have shown some agreement with the purpose of the legislation.

However, additional discussions continue due to issues arising with workplaces having fewer than five employees. Workplaces with fewer than five employees are not subject to related regulations under the Labor Standards Act. Some voices argue that paid leave should be granted even to businesses with fewer than five employees, but from the employer's perspective, this could be a burden, so discussions on compensation measures are necessary.

Meanwhile, the government has proposed enacting the Presidential Decree on public holidays into law, while leaving the designation of substitute holidays to the government.

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