Expansion of Up to 3 Days Paid COVID-19 Leave Guaranteed in the Financial Sector

COVID-19 Vaccine Vaccination Day and the Following Day Off
Additional 1 Day Off for Adverse Reactions

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Sun-mi] As the five major commercial banks have introduced COVID-19 vaccine leave, the adoption of paid leave is spreading throughout the entire financial sector.

According to the financial sector on the 5th, the National Financial Industry Labor Union has reached a tentative agreement with the Financial Industry Employers' Council to implement paid COVID-19 vaccine leave, allowing a basic two days off plus an additional day. Accordingly, paid vaccine leave will be introduced to 38 banks and financial institutions affiliated with the Financial Labor Union.

According to the tentative agreement, employees can take leave on the day of vaccination and the following day, and if adverse reactions occur, they can take an additional day off without submitting supporting documents. The final agreement is expected to be reached on the 7th.

The Financial Labor Union explained that this is "to achieve early herd immunity and to protect customers and employees."

As the vaccination targets expand to include leftover COVID-19 vaccines, reservists, civil defense personnel, and the Janssen vaccine, all five major commercial banks including KB Financial, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup have already completed the introduction of paid vaccine leave. The leave period is mostly two days after vaccination, with an additional day available depending on the reaction progress.

Internet-only banks have also introduced paid vaccine leave. KakaoBank and K Bank allow employees to take two days of paid leave on the day of vaccination and the following day, regardless of whether there are adverse reactions to the vaccine.