Samsung, a major conglomerate, has begun to transmit a “chill” from top to bottom. After losing the 3nm process battle to TSMC, Samsung has been eagerly awaiting a turnaround and has actively pushed for changes in South Korean law, as there is a 52-hour workweek limit. After continuous efforts, the South Korean government finally approved Samsung’s request, allowing employees in the semiconductor R&D department to work up to 64 hours per week.
It is reported that South Korea implemented a maximum 52-hour workweek system starting in 2018, but Samsung claimed that this system severely limited the growth of the semiconductor business because developing advanced chips has become increasingly difficult. Without overtime, they would fall behind in competition. Other South Korean companies have also expressed dissatisfaction with the 52-hour workweek system, believing it limits industry competitiveness. In this era of economic downturn, South Korean companies are now feeling the biting chill.
In March, the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported that the National Assembly had voted on a “semiconductor special law,” which would exempt semiconductor researchers from the 52-hour workweek, but it was not passed. As compensation, the government extended the duration of “special overtime” from three months to six months, but forced companies to organize employee health checks every six months. This welfare measure is quite humane, but for workers in Samsung’s semiconductor division, the extended working hours could be a nightmare.
This time, the South Korean government made an exception and allowed Samsung to extend working hours, making Samsung the first company in South Korea approved for extended working hours. Under the new rule, the upper limit of weekly working hours for Samsung semiconductor employees will be 64 hours for the first three months and 60 hours for the next three months. If they work six days a week, they will be working approximately 10 hours a day. What do you think about this? Please share your views in the comments section.
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