Extension of Special Overtime Work for Semiconductor R&D Expanded from 3 to 6 Months

Expansion from 3 Months to 6 Months
Industry Can Now Apply for 6+6 Months

The government will supplement the special extended working hours approval system to improve working hours in the semiconductor research and development (R&D) sector. The existing approval period of three months will be extended to six months, with an additional extension of six months possible. Health checkups will also be made mandatory to protect workers' health rights.

Choe Sang-mok, Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Economy and Finance Photo by Yonhap News

On the 12th, the government announced the "Supplementary Measures for the Special Extended Working Hours Approval System for Semiconductor R&D" at the National Policy Issues Ministers' Meeting, Economic Ministers' Meeting, and Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Ministers' Meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, chaired by Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance. As the Semiconductor Special Act, which includes an exemption clause for the 52-hour workweek for semiconductor R&D personnel, remains pending in the National Assembly, the government has prepared support measures and presented them this time.

Previously, when deemed necessary for strengthening national competitiveness and developing the national economy, workers could work extended hours exceeding 12 hours per week with their consent and approval from the Minister of Employment and Labor. The approval period per instance was up to three months, with the possibility of additional extensions. However, due to the nature of semiconductor R&D requiring intensive work for six months to over a year, there were demands from the field to improve the approval requirements and period.

The government plans to establish the "Guidelines for the Special Extended Working Hours Approval System for Semiconductor R&D" separately from the current system and revise the "Special Extended Working Hours Health Protection Measures (Notice)." The approval period per instance will be expanded to six months, and a special provision will be introduced allowing an additional six-month extension. The approved working hours will be differentiated by period, with the first three months allowing up to 64 hours per week and the additional three months allowing up to 60 hours per week.

However, since concerns about worker health protection may arise, measures to address these will also be included. Through the revision of the notice, employers will be required to provide prior notification when using the special provision, and health checkups will be made mandatory during the approval period.

The criteria for re-examination of approval will be relaxed. However, core requirements such as the reasons for approval, approval period and hours, and health protection measures will be thoroughly inspected. To prevent misuse or abuse of the system, an online "Special Extended Working Hours Reporting Center (tentative name)" will be operated. In case of issues, workers' rights will be protected, and corrective actions will be taken against employers violating the law.

Acting Prime Minister Choi said, "The special working hours exemption regulation should be included in the Semiconductor Special Act, but differences between the ruling and opposition parties have yet to be narrowed," adding, "Therefore, the government will supplement the special extended working hours approval system so that companies can use working hours more flexibly when necessary." He also emphasized, "To stay ahead in the fierce technological competition in the semiconductor industry, it is crucial to create an environment where core personnel can freely conduct research."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.