Labor Minister nominee presents the possibility of a 4.5-day workweek without wage reduction

Kim Young-hoon, the nominee for the Minister of Employment and Labor, expressed his view that the introduction of a 4.5-day workweek is possible without wage reduction, based on productivity improvements through innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

He stated this position in the response to the personnel hearing submitted to the National Assembly on the 9th.

Kim added, "If unnecessary tasks are reduced and work processes are improved through technological innovations such as AI, it is possible to introduce a 4.5-day workweek without wage reduction."

To achieve this, he said, "We will implement government-wide efforts to enhance productivity," focusing on workplaces that implement shift systems, discovering exemplary cases, and promising solid support to workplaces that find implementation challenging.

However, Kim showed a cautious stance toward promoting a universal 4.5-day workweek.

"Promoting a uniform 4.5-day workweek could have side effects," he said, adding, "First, we will provide firm support centered on businesses that find it difficult to implement it, resolve disparities in the labor market, and allow for voluntary diffusion."

Improving labor conditions and suggesting reforms to the minimum wage system

Kim also emphasized the necessity of social innovation, such as reducing working hours. In particular, regarding the limitation of the comprehensive wage system, he stressed that "to eradicate unpaid labor and establish principles of being compensated for work done, prohibiting comprehensive wages and institutionalizing recording of working hours are absolutely necessary."

To this end, he mentioned plans to review ways to introduce a working hours recording and management system, referring to various overseas legislative examples and bills proposed in the National Assembly.

Regarding the current deliberation of the minimum wage system, he assessed, "Repeated conflicts and confrontations between management and labor have resulted in high fatigue over minimum wage decisions, and there is a lack of social trust and acceptance."

In response, he promised, "To enhance the quality of basic review materials, we will strengthen the research and investigation functions of the Minimum Wage Commission Secretariat, while supporting meaningful discussions on the application of minimum wages to contracted workers."

On the proposal from the business community regarding sector-specific applicability, he clearly stated, "It does not align with the purpose of guaranteeing a minimum wage, and it could create a 'stigma effect' in specific industries or regions, making it difficult to agree."

Key initiatives proposed, including extending the retirement age

Kim designated five key initiatives that must be pursued during his term if appointed as minister: eradicating wage arrears, preventing industrial accidents, supporting youth, extending the retirement age, and securing employment safety nets.

Especially regarding the extension of the retirement age, he emphasized the need to create win-win alternatives for both labor and management through social dialogue, aiming to push for legislation within the year.

We will create win-win alternatives for both labor and management through social dialogue and push for legislation within the year.

Image source: Kim Young-hoon, nominee for Minister of Employment and Labor / News1, News1