청, 탄력근로제 언급했지만…국회 법안 처리는 난망

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The Blue House announced on the 19th that it has decided to fully accept all proposals from the business community conveyed to President Moon Jae-in regarding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation. However, the introduction of a flexible working hours system currently demanded by the business sector does not seem likely to pass the National Assembly easily.

In February last year, the tripartite economic, social, and labor council under the president agreed to extend the flexible working hours system's unit period to six months. However, the amendment to the Labor Standards Act, which focuses on expanding the unit period of the flexible working hours system, is still pending in the Environment and Labor Committee. This is because the ruling and opposition parties have not reached a consensus on the length of the unit period. The Democratic Party of Korea supports extending it from the current three months to six months, while the opposition party insists on further expanding it to include selective working hours systems, delaying the passage of the bill.

Yoon Jae-kwan, deputy spokesperson of the Blue House, said in a briefing on the day, "The Blue House will accept all 16 proposals presented by the business community at the COVID-19 response meeting with the president held on the 13th and will promptly implement follow-up measures."

Deputy Spokesperson Yoon explained, "This reflects the president's determination for the government and companies to work together to minimize damage and revive the economic recovery trend. Especially in this extraordinary time, it was accepted quickly because it is necessary to urgently prescribe without delay."

Yoon added, "There was also a request to amend the Labor Standards Act to introduce the flexible working hours system, and a bill was prepared and submitted based on the agreement of the Economic, Social, and Labor Council last February. We will strive to ensure it passes smoothly in the National Assembly."

Businesspeople previously proposed at the meeting with President Moon clarifying guidelines that the time spent at company dinners is not included in the 52-hour workweek, as well as ▲support for quarantine supplies for factories in China ▲shortening the approval time for handling chemical substances ▲expanding tariff exemptions, among other requests.