South Korean labor unions protest potential 52-hour workweek exemption for semiconductor zone, demand presidential meeting

South Korea's two major labor unions, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), expressed outrage over the government's potential plan to exempt the semiconductor "mega-special zone" from the 52-hour workweek. They demanded a meeting with President Lee Jae-myung to discuss the issue.

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We cannot hide our bewilderment and anger at facing the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's labor- 개악 policy again under the Lee Jae-myung administration, which we boasted of having prevented internal strife and restored democracy.

The unions criticized the government's proposal, calling it a "labor reform policy" reminiscent of the previous administration. They stated their strong opposition to the "Mega-Special Zone Act," arguing that it would restrict workers' rights under the guise of AI transformation. The unions emphasized the need for social deliberation and consensus on AI advancements, urging the government to halt its rapid pace and gather opinions from all stakeholders, including vulnerable groups.

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We declare that we will strongly condemn and block the promotion of the Mega-Special Zone Act.

The proposed legislation, reported by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, includes provisions to remove the 52-hour workweek limit for managers and researchers in the top 3% income bracket, provided they consent. It also suggests introducing a "white-collar exemption" that would forgo overtime, night, and holiday pay, offering general allowances instead.

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AI transformation requires social deliberation and consensus as much as urgency. The government must stop the speed race and strive to gather opinions from stakeholders, including the socially vulnerable, and build social consensus regarding the promotion of mega-projects and the enactment of the Mega-Special Zone Act.

The KCTU and FKTU warned of a "confrontational path" if the government proceeds unilaterally with the Mega-Special Zone Act. They vowed to unite with semiconductor workers, including those from Samsung and Hynix, and other affected parties to strongly resist the legislation.

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We demand a meeting between the two major labor unions and the president as a starting point for social dialogue.