Economic Sector "Welcomes Expansion of Special Extended Working Hours for Semiconductors... Semiconductor Special Act Also Needs Legislation"

Government Extends Special Extended Work Hours for Semiconductors
Business Groups: "Restrictions in Research Sites Will Be Eased"

The government’s decision to implement a special extended work hours approval system for semiconductor research and development (R&D) was welcomed by the business community, which expressed expectations for strengthening the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry. However, they emphasized the need for the National Assembly to promptly legislate the Semiconductor Special Act currently under discussion.

On the 12th, at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul, the government announced the "Supplementary Measures for the Special Extended Work Hours Approval System for Semiconductor R&D" during the National Affairs Ministers’ Meeting, Economic Ministers’ Meeting, and Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Ministers’ Meeting, chaired by Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance. The approval period, previously granted in three-month increments, was extended to six months, with an additional six-month extension possible. Health checkups are also mandated to protect workers’ health rights.

In response, the business community unanimously expressed their welcome. Lee Sang-ho, Head of the Economic and Industrial Division at the Korea Economic Association, said, "In a situation where the semiconductor industry faces crises such as global demand slowdown, supply chain instability, and competition from emerging countries, we welcome the government’s preparation of supplementary measures for the special extended work hours approval system for semiconductor R&D. We expect that this revision will somewhat ease the restrictions on working hours in research sites, which will be a meaningful first step toward technological innovation and strengthening industrial competitiveness."

On the 12th, the government announced the 'Supplementary Measures for the Special Extended Working Hours Approval System for Semiconductor Research and Development' at the Ministerial Meeting on National Issues, Economic Affairs, and Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, chaired by Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance. Photo by Yonhap News

He added, "Since semiconductors are the foundation of future advanced industries, we hope that legal and institutional support for expanding competitiveness across the entire industry, including research and development, will be promptly established."

Lee Jong-myung, Head of Industrial Innovation at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also expressed his welcome, stating, "By applying working hours flexibility in the Semiconductor Special Act currently pending in the National Assembly, we appeal for the prompt passage of the bill to fundamentally enhance the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry and allow young researchers to autonomously develop their capabilities."

The Korea Semiconductor Industry Association also stated, "The semiconductor industry actively welcomes the government’s decision to improve the special extended work hours system, and expects that through this, research and development as well as production activities in the semiconductor industry will be conducted more flexibly."

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