Seoul National University Campus Group "Yoon Government Must Withdraw '69-Hour Workweek'"

A student organization at Seoul National University criticized the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's policy to extend the maximum weekly working hours to 69 hours and demanded its withdrawal.

Joint Action for Creating a Non-Regular Worker-Free Seoul National University (Biseogong) posted a statement poster on the afternoon of the 20th / Photo by Biseogong

On the 21st, the Joint Action for a Seoul National University Without Irregular Workers (hereafter Biseogong) issued a critical statement demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Yoon administration's policy to extend the maximum weekly working hours to 69 hours. The day before, Biseogong posted large posters containing related content at four locations, including the Seoul National University Student Union building.

Biseogong criticized the Yoon administration for introducing the policy citing the "preferences of the MZ generation," but argued that even the youth generation does not want it. Biseogong stated, "'MZ generation' has been criticized for overrepresenting only a part of the youth generation, and even regular workers who enjoy stable labor conditions and have been considered representatives of MZ generation's public opinion opposed this policy," adding, "For youth and students excluded from public opinion, and those who find it difficult to protest against employers' power due to the instability of irregular labor, the extension of working hours will be even more fatal."

They also pointed out that the government's explanation that sufficient choice over working hours can be guaranteed does not reflect reality. Biseogong said, "Workers who devote themselves to overtime and special work have no choice but to work long hours to earn a living wage." They further questioned, "Is excessive labor, which wears down life to maintain livelihood, truly an appropriate choice for low-wage workers?"

Biseogong emphasized, "This labor policy not only fails to increase workers' choice but also infringes on the sovereignty that workers, who find it difficult to resist workplace power, should have over their own time," and stressed, "A complete withdrawal of the 69-hour system is necessary."