S. Korea implements '52-hour work week' from July 1
- 6 years ago
Korean companies have a reputation for overworking their employees, but starting today, July 1st, many will see a change in their work-life balance.
A new law has taken effect that limits the work week to 52 hours, meaning only 12 hours of overtime.
The previous limit had been 68 hours.
And if an employee is made to work more than the new limit, the business owner will be held criminally liable.
The shorter week was a campaign pledge of President Moon Jae-in's.
There have been concerns about the change among business groups, which had called for a 6-month grace period.
But the government says it is trying to smooth the transition.
The law affects only companies with 300 or more employees for now, and will expand to the rest in stages starting in 2020.
A new law has taken effect that limits the work week to 52 hours, meaning only 12 hours of overtime.
The previous limit had been 68 hours.
And if an employee is made to work more than the new limit, the business owner will be held criminally liable.
The shorter week was a campaign pledge of President Moon Jae-in's.
There have been concerns about the change among business groups, which had called for a 6-month grace period.
But the government says it is trying to smooth the transition.
The law affects only companies with 300 or more employees for now, and will expand to the rest in stages starting in 2020.