[New Year's Address] Kang Ho-gap, Chairman of the Federation of Medium-Sized Enterprises, "Reform Needed for 52-Hour Workweek and Flexible Working Hours"

Kang Ho-gap, Chairman of the Korea Federation of Medium-sized Enterprises. [Photo provided by the Korea Federation of Medium-sized Enterprises]

[Asia Economy Reporter Junhyung Lee] The Korea Federation of Medium-sized Enterprises emphasized the need to reform the 52-hour workweek system and flexible working hours such as the flexible work system in its New Year's address.

Kang Hogap, Chairman of the Korea Federation of Medium-sized Enterprises, announced in his New Year's address on the 30th, "In response to the rapid surge in demand in the post-COVID era, the 52-hour workweek system, alternative work, and flexible working hours should be restructured mainly for industrial sites," adding, "We must realize various policies and labor flexibility to drive reshoring due to the rapid changes in global outsourcing and value chains." He also added, "We need to rationalize various laws, policies, and systems so that we can actively respond to the upcoming era of 'regionalization,' not 'globalization.'"

Chairman Kang said, "The situation facing the Korean economy is not easy, with increasing external uncertainties, enormous pressure for carbon neutrality, digital transformation, acceleration of non-face-to-face activities, low growth, youth unemployment, low birthrate and aging population, and relentless social conflicts," adding, "Due to supply chain instability and raw material shortages triggered by logistics and labor shortages and China's power shortages, our companies are being pushed into urgent situations where they cannot predict or control even an inch ahead amid 'unprecedented changes.'"

Chairman Kang also emphasized the importance of next year's presidential election. He said, "The moment that will determine the direction of Korea's new five years is rapidly approaching," adding, "We must aim for a prosperous and harmonious tomorrow for all citizens, free from any distorted ideology and inertia." He continued, "Citizens, busy worrying about today in their hectic daily lives, will feel their own power only at the time of voting," and said, "We must continuously debate and contemplate which direction our economy should take to sustain that time and space in the face of the challenges of post-COVID and the 4th Industrial Revolution."

Furthermore, Chairman Kang stated, "We must create a world where justice is not abused as a means for equality," adding, "We cannot pursue a new future by leaving the economy, the basic foundation of life, to uncompromising dogmatism and the experimental ground of specific ideologies." He said, "In any country, the moment you touch the runway, you can intuitively understand the status of the Korean economy, which entrepreneurs have built with their bare hands based on the sacrifices and dedication of the people," and added, "No one can deny that all of this stems from the excellent products created by entrepreneurs and the high level of service and cultural awareness cultivated by our extraordinary people."