President Yoon Seok-yeol ordered a supplementary review of the plan to revamp the working hour system announced by the Ministry of Employment and Labor today (14th).

Regarding the bill announced by the Ministry of Labor on 6 June, President Yun instructed the Ministry of Labor to "carefully listen to the various opinions of workers expressed during the legislative notice period, especially those of the MZ generation, and consider the contents of the bill and the points that can be supplemented with communication with the public," Publicity Chief Kim Eun-hye said in a written briefing.

As concerns were raised about the reorganization of the system, it seems to have hinted at a possible change in the law.

The original policy was intended to expand workers' right to choice and guarantee their right to health, but it failed to accurately explain its intent and made it appear as "forced work" or "free work."

In this regard, an official from the Office of the President said in a media call that "the Ministry of Labor's efforts to communicate with the public were insufficient" and that "the voices of the youth need to be listened to more."

The government is reportedly planning to conduct additional public opinion polls.

It is interpreted to mean that the direction of supplementing the system will be determined based on the results of opinion polls, etc.

Depending on the results of the poll, it is likely that some interpret that it is leaving open the possibility of a blank slate.

Earlier, the Ministry of Labor announced a legislative amendment to the Labor Code that would allow workers to work up to 1 hours when they are busy, changing the current system that only allowed workers to work up to 52 hours a week.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han Deok-su sought understanding on the purpose of the reorganization of the system at today's cabinet meeting.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Han said, "The essence of this system reform is to give employers and workers the choice of working hours through an agreement."

"We can ensure workers' right to health by working intensively during intensive working hours and ensuring adequate rest afterwards."

Prime Minister Han said, "While operating this system, the government will take strong action to ensure that problems such as non-payment of overtime pay, non-payment of wages, and neglect of the right to health never occur through thorough law enforcement."

He also asked the Ministry of Labor to "ensure that there is no disruption in the design process so that the purpose and essence of the system can be fully implemented."

(Photo = Yonhap News)