[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The nationwide Samsung Electronics labor union affiliated with the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, the largest union within Samsung Electronics, has requested the company to guarantee three days of paid leave for employees who receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As the COVID-19 vaccination target expands to the general public, attention is focused on whether the introduction of vaccine leave will spread among private companies.
According to industry sources on the 12th, the union sent an official letter to the company the day before, requesting the establishment of a "vaccine leave standard" that grants three days of paid leave to vaccinated employees. The union stated, "The government has recommended companies to provide paid leave considering side effects from COVID-19 vaccinations," adding, "Since vaccinations for our company’s employees are expected to begin in earnest soon, please establish a vaccine leave standard."
The letter included a request to grant all Samsung Electronics employees who receive the vaccine a total of three days of paid leave: the day of vaccination and the following two days (based on working days). It also added that employees should not be required to submit supporting documents such as medical certificates regarding adverse reactions when taking vaccine leave.
A union official explained, "There were internal concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine and voices emphasizing the need to check health status and allow recovery time after vaccination," adding, "Based on government recommendations, we requested the company to establish vaccine leave standards."
In response, Samsung Electronics stated that it is "reviewing" the union’s request to introduce vaccine leave.
Earlier last month, the government expanded COVID-19 vaccinations to the general public and introduced a "vaccine leave system" for those experiencing adverse reactions. Vaccinated individuals showing side effects can take up to two days of sick leave or paid leave without a doctor's note, and the government has recommended that the private sector follow this guideline.
Since then, companies have been reviewing vaccine leave systems ahead of employee vaccinations, and some have proactively formalized the introduction of vaccine leave. Naver decided to grant one day of paid leave the day after COVID-19 vaccination to all employees across its affiliates, regardless of adverse reactions. The company plans to provide vaccine leave as official leave that does not consume personal annual leave.
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