[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Ha Tae-kyung, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, has pledged to introduce a 'Flexible Working Hours System.' He argues that the uniform maximum 52-hour workweek is actually holding back young people in a rapidly changing society.
On the 30th, Ha held a press conference at the National Assembly and stated, "We will abolish the uniform 52-hour workweek regulation by introducing a flexible working hours system." The flexible working hours system grants workers the right to appropriately adjust their working hours themselves, rather than being forced or coerced by the government or companies.
He said, "I fully agree with the intention to 'escape the stigma of the world's longest working hours' and 'guarantee an evening life,'" but added, "However, the 52-hour workweek regulation should not be uniform. It must be applied flexibly considering the rapid social changes that make yesterday and today different. We must not cause a situation where rigid uniform regulations infringe on people's economic freedom and stifle economic activities."
As a reason for abolishing the uniform maximum 52-hour workweek, he mentioned the working environment of young people. Ha explained, "The uniform 52-hour workweek regulation is ironically tying the hands of young people. Production manager A had to wait until midnight when the company computer, shut down due to the 52-hour regulation, was turned back on. After that, A finished the remaining work and left. Young worker B needs more wages to make a living but has no freedom to work more hours, so they are working two jobs and suffering from nosebleeds."
He continued, "Workers who want the freedom to work more to earn higher wages should have the right to decide their own working hours without being bound by the 52-hour regulation. Developers who need more time for effective product research and testing should be given the option to adjust their working hours themselves," he said.
However, this does not mean that working hours should be increased indiscriminately. Ha argued that the state must properly supervise to ensure that the legally guaranteed 'continuous rest time' for workers' health is strictly observed. He also emphasized that fair compensation for overtime work must be ensured.
Along with this, Ha proposed support for 'Public Offices Near Your Home.' This means creating public offices equipped with meeting facilities, Wi-Fi, and office equipment centered around residential areas. Ha said, "If public offices become active, workers will not have to suffer in cramped rooms while working from home, and company work efficiency will improve."
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