5 Major Banks Introduce COVID-19 Vaccine Leave... Spreading Across Banking Sector

Basic 2-Day Leave with an Additional 1-Day Leave if Symptoms Appear

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Sun-mi] As the eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines expands to include leftover vaccines and Janssen vaccines for reservists and civil defense personnel, the introduction of vaccine leave is spreading throughout the banking sector, including the five major commercial banks.

According to the banking sector on the 4th, all five major commercial banks?KB Financial Group, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup?have completed the introduction of paid vaccine leave. This is to encourage vaccination and ensure sufficient rest for employees after vaccination.

Hana Bank announced the day before that it would introduce paid leave after COVID-19 vaccination. The leave period is 2 days after vaccination, with an additional day available depending on the reaction. KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank also allow vaccinated employees to use paid vaccine leave on the day of vaccination and the following day regardless of any adverse reactions. After using the initial 2 days of leave, if there are adverse reactions, an additional 1 day of leave can be used.

Woori Bank allows employees to use paid leave not only on the day of vaccination and the following day for each dose but also an additional day of paid leave without submitting separate documents such as a doctor's note if adverse reactions occur. Nonghyup Bank provides up to 3 days of paid leave including the day of COVID-19 vaccination.

Internet-only banks have also introduced paid vaccine leave. Kakao Bank and K Bank allow 2 days of paid leave on the day of vaccination and the following day regardless of adverse reactions.

As COVID-19 vaccination, which was mainly for the elderly, expands to include leftover vaccine reservation systems and Janssen vaccines for reservists and civil defense personnel, the introduction of paid vaccine leave in the banking sector is expected to spread further.

Currently, the National Financial Industry Labor Union and the Financial Industry Employers' Council are discussing the full introduction of paid leave for vaccinated individuals. Since the commercial banks that first introduced paid leave guarantee at least two days of paid leave on the day of vaccination and the following day, there is a strong possibility that negotiations will reach a similar level. A banking sector official explained, "Negotiations are currently underway, and it is highly likely that paid vaccine leave will be officially introduced at 22 financial institutions affiliated with the Banks Association, including not only commercial banks but also policy banks, regional banks, and foreign banks."