In this nation, a 69-hour workday was desired. Generation Z and Millennials have different viewpoints.
March 19, 2023Tweet
The South Korean government was forced to rethink a plan that would have
raised its cap on working hours to 69 per week, up from the current
limit of 52, after sparking a backlash from Millennials and Generation Z
workers. The move was seen as a way to address the looming labor
shortage the country faces due to its dwindling fertility rate and aging
population, but was widely panned by critics who argued tightening the
screw on workers would only make matters worse. The current law limits
the work week to 40 hours plus up to 12 hours of compensated overtime,
but critics say many workers find themselves under pressure to work
longer. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's senior secretary said the
government would take a new "direction" after listening to public
opinion and said it was committed to protecting the rights and interests
of Millennial, Generation Z and non-union workers.