Kakao Labor and Management Reach Agreement Including Once-Weekly Remote Work Policy

Kakao management and labor have prepared a tentative agreement on wages and collective bargaining that includes one day of remote work per week. However, the co-work time (core time system), which was a contentious issue involving concentrated work during specific hours, will not be officially introduced but will be encouraged.

According to industry sources on the 21st, the tentative wage and collective agreement prepared by Kakao and the Kakao branch of the National Chemical, Textile, and Food Industry Labor Union (Crew Union) was approved with a 62% approval rate.

The agreement includes the introduction of one day of remote work per week, a tax-free meal allowance of 200,000 KRW, and support for graduation and condolence leave. The agreement is expected to be finalized as early as this month.

The introduction of co-work time, which was a contentious issue, is reportedly not included in the agreement. However, management and labor discussed including language encouraging co-work time, where all employees work from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Previously, the management had advocated for co-work time as a way to increase work concentration while reviving the remote work system.

This tentative agreement will be officially announced after both parties complete the signing process.