Night work protections: Lawmakers propose limits on night labor

South Korea is considering new legislation to protect the health of its night workers, a move that could significantly alter labor practices in sectors like delivery and logistics. A recently proposed bill aims to cap night shifts at 12 per month and mandate minimum rest periods, addressing growing concerns about the physical toll of nocturnal labor.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor is actively developing a 'Night Worker Health Protection Plan,' with a target completion date in September. This initiative stems from a broader roadmap focused on reducing working hours. The ministry has been gathering insights from night workers across various industries, including healthcare, caregiving, logistics, and delivery services, to understand their working conditions, reasons for choosing night shifts, and health challenges.

Currently, South Korean labor law primarily addresses night work by mandating premium pay for hours worked between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. However, it lacks specific definitions or protective measures for 'night work' itself. The proposed bill seeks to rectify this by defining night work and establishing limits on maximum hours, weekly hours, and required rest periods. It also suggests a maximum of three consecutive night shifts and a minimum 11-hour break after night work.

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Currently, there is only a provision in the Labor Standards Act that provides additional wages for work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., but there is no definition of 'night work' itself for health protection.

These proposed regulations draw inspiration from European Union and International Labour Organization standards, with countries like France, Spain, and Germany prohibiting night work exceeding eight hours. However, the path to legislative approval is not straightforward. Debates surrounding the expansion of late-night retail operations, such as allowing large supermarkets to offer early morning deliveries, could potentially increase night work. Furthermore, some express concern that public opinion, influenced by the desire for higher wages often associated with night shifts, might hinder the implementation of stricter protective measures.

Despite these potential hurdles, officials emphasize their commitment to creating regulations applicable to all night workers. They are actively seeking input from various sectors to build consensus between labor and management. The push for these protections comes as the country grapples with balancing economic growth with worker well-being, particularly for those in demanding nocturnal roles.

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We are listening to the on-site opinions of workers in various job categories to create regulations that can be applied to all night workers.