Send Email to All Employees
Immediate Implementation of Outsourced Childcare Support
Consider and Communicate on Remote Work Forms and Internal-External Conditions
Han Moon-il, CEO of Musinsa, recently apologized to employees and expressed his intention to strengthen communication regarding the controversy surrounding the installation of an in-house daycare center.
On the 11th, CEO Han stated in an email, "I fully recognize the seriousness of this issue that arose from not properly understanding the feelings of Musinsa employees," and added, "On behalf of the company’s management, I deeply apologize for causing unnecessary concerns."
Previously, Musinsa planned to build a daycare center in its new office building under construction in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, but the plan was completely withdrawn, sparking controversy. During this process, it was revealed that an executive made a remark implying that "the fines are cheaper than the operating costs of the daycare center."
According to the current Infant and Child Care Act, workplaces employing 300 or more female workers or 500 or more total workers on a regular basis must install an in-house daycare center. If it is not possible to install a daycare center independently, the company must operate one jointly or contract with a local daycare center to support childcare for employees’ children. Failure to comply results in a penalty fine.
Musinsa currently employs about 1,500 people, with women making up 55% of the workforce, thus falling under the legal requirement to install a daycare center. In response to this controversy, Musinsa decided to immediately provide outsourced childcare support starting from the 18th for employees with infants and young children who have childcare needs. Additionally, to address the socially significant issue of low birth rates, the company plans to explore and implement various institutional support measures for its employees.
Regarding the controversy over the abolition of remote work, the company announced that it will maintain the current system for the time being but will consider work arrangements in light of the economic situation and internal and external conditions. The "Early Friday" system, where employees work only four hours on the last Friday of each month and then leave early, will also continue to operate as is.
CEO Han emphasized, "I am well aware that we cannot neglect building consensus among our dedicated members, so we will actively listen to employees’ opinions going forward," and added, "Just as the ground hardens after rain, I promise to wisely resolve this issue so that employees can regain pride in the company and work with renewed confidence."
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