Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on the introduction of a special semiconductor law on the 3rd, stating, “If high-income experts in the R&D field of a specific industry agree, why can’t we make exceptions to let them work more? I found myself without an answer.”
During the semiconductor special law forum held at the National Assembly on the same day, where he served as the chair, Lee mentioned, “I generally believe that it’s better not to make exceptions to working hour regulations, but if this point cannot be convincingly made, I find myself thinking, ‘Why can’t it be done?’.”
The semiconductor special law proposes allowing semiconductor R&D workers to exceed the 52-hour weekly working limit through written agreements between labor and management.
Lee’s comments are being interpreted within and outside the party as a progressive consideration of implementing the special semiconductor law, which is opposed by the labor sector.
Lee actively participated in the forum, summarizing the issues and asking the proponents of the semiconductor special law, “Is the intention to increase total working hours? Or is it to allow concentrated work periods without increasing overall working hours?”
Furthermore, Lee mentioned, “Worldwide, there are controversies due to deep uncertainty, and economic instability is severe,” adding, “Our citizens expect the semiconductor industry, a cornerstone of South Korea’s economy, to develop into one of the nation’s main drivers for global leadership and economic growth.”
He also addressed the issue of exceptions to the 52-hour workweek, stating, “Both sides have valid points, but there seems to be some misunderstanding,” and “It seems the labor sector misunderstands this as an attempt to amend the law for labor exploitation.”
The Democratic leadership, including Lee, plans to organize their stance on the semiconductor special law based on the positions presented by both sides during the forum.
The debate saw the business sector and labor sector engaged in a heated discussion over the ’52-hour workweek exception’ demanded by the business community. Business representatives supported the flexibility of working hours in the semiconductor sector, but the labor sector opposed it due to concerns of increased industrial accidents.
Ahn Ki-hyun, Executive Director of the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association, argued that “the semiconductor industry is technology-centered, with advanced technology at its core, and researchers at the center of technology development. If R&D is conducted based on time, it is not easy to achieve results.” He added, “Compared to overseas, our fundamental technology is weak, so we need to work harder.”
Kim Jae-beom, in charge of R&D at SK Hynix, expressed that “we must be able to supply and quickly address issues with requested memory from customers,” emphasizing the need to effectively utilize researchers’ time.
On the other hand, Son U-mok, the chairman of the National Samsung Electronics Union, stated, “Long working hours do not lead to innovation, but securing skilled manpower is a crucial issue,” highlighting the need for discussions on improving labor environments and conditions. Chairman Son mentioned, “The 52-hour exception in the semiconductor special law poses a serious threat to workers,” citing studies showing higher suicide and cardiovascular disease rates in countries with a high proportion of long-hour laborers.
Professor Kwon Oh-sung from Yonsei University also pointed out, “A former Samsung Electronics chairman stated there is no organization that fails because employees are lazy,” noting, “During the years 2010 to 2017, when Samsung Electronics performed well, the CEO emphasized ‘smart work’ instead of ‘hard work.'”