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| gettyimagesbank |
More than seven out of 10 firms said they are not willing to embrace the recently proposed longer workweek, a study showed Friday. Of those who said they would, almost three-quarters said the longer workweek will be implemented only temporarily in the event of a short-term demand surge, production disruption due to equipment malfunctions or peak season.
Also, 74.5 percent of firms said they will make employees work less than 60 hours a week at most when the extended workweek is implemented. Among those who said their maximum work hours will be more than 60, 90.7 percent were manufacturing firms, a response indicative of an industry-wide labor shortage over the past few years.
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) surveyed 302 firms and only 27.8 percent said they would adopt the maximum workweek of 69 hours.
About 56 percent said they would put in place the longer workweek if the government mandate expands in the months to come.
Of the 56 percent, 72.2 percent said the new system will be avoided unless it becomes necessary due to short-term client demands or unexpected disruptions.
Many of the surveyed companies said workers' health should be better protected.
About 32.5 percent said firms should map out concrete plans to enhance worker health, while 30.8 percent said specifics should be outlined and agreed upon through management and labor discussions.
Less than half, or 45.4 percent, said they guarantee workers can take government-mandated leave, whereas 54.6 percent said they give monetary compensation for unused leave quotas. About 32.7 percent said monetary compensation is a better option than workers taking leave or days off due to heavy workloads.
The revision will not be able to take root without open discussions of challenges and ways to resolve them, the respondents added, a process that should reflect the demands of both workers and employers.
Meanwhile, Friday's survey is somewhat contradictory compared to one released last month, immediately after the government rolled out the longer workweek revision.
In a separate survey of 502 firms, 79.5 percent said the revision will fortify corporate competitiveness and job creation, providing vitality to overall business activities.
About 80.7 percent said employment market conditions will be improved due to an increase in new job openings and strengthened job security.
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