Minister Ahn Duk-geun: “Semiconductors are a race against time, hindered by regulations”
– As the passage of the Special Semiconductor Act faces difficulties, the government plans to devise countermeasures.
– The special extended work hours system, allowing up to 64 hours a week, is likely to be adjusted.
– Minister Kim Moon-soo emphasized the need for adjustments tailored to the R&D characteristics of semiconductors.
On the 11th, Ahn Duk-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, attended a meeting at Dongjin Semichem’s R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to discuss ways to improve working hours in semiconductor R&D. The necessity for regulatory relaxation on working hours in the semiconductor industry is emphasized by the industry and supported by the government to maintain competitiveness in global technology.
The government plans to soon present measures, as the Special Semiconductor Act, which includes exceptions to the 52-hour workweek, is pending parliamentary approval. Minister Ahn highlighted that the semiconductor “war” is a battle of technology, which ultimately boils down to a race against time. He expressed strong concern over the industry being hindered by working hour regulations, especially as other countries invest heavily in their semiconductor ecosystems.
Representatives from semiconductor companies and economic organizations also underscored the need for flexibility. An Tae-hyuk, CEO of Wonik IPS, and Kim Han-joon, CTO of FuriosaAI, both pointed out the constraints imposed by current regulations and urged for provisions that allow flexibility during critical periods.
The government is set to announce a policy on March 12 prioritizing regulatory adjustments for the semiconductor sector. This includes potential changes to the special extended working hours authorization system, allowing up to 64 weekly hours with employee consent and labor minister approval. Minister Kim Moon-soo reaffirmed the need to tailor this system to the unique R&D conditions of semiconductors. Minister Ahn assured that efforts would continue to ensure the Special Semiconductor Act, inclusive of working hour exceptions, is enacted, asking for company support in implementing these regulatory changes.