69시간제 퇴고

Too soon to introduce 69 workweek in S.KoreaWhile most countries around the world are shortening workhours to boost mental health and productivity of workers, South Korea seems to have taken an opposite direction. Recently, the country’s labor ministry proposed a reform of the current workweek system, which would increase the maximum weekly work hours to 69 while keeping the average work hours within the 52-hour limit. This proposal immediately drew strong criticism from the public, causing the government to immediately consider revising the proposal.  In line with the general public sentiment, this essay  argues that the proposed system should be retracted given that the work culture in the country is already very exploitative. To make a convincing case for this argument, it will first touch on the purported benefits of this system and then, explain how this system is at odds with the welfare of South Korean workers who already suffer from intense work culture.  First, from the perspective of employers, this system seems to increase the profitability of their businesses. The increased flexibility that this system gives allows workers to legally work extra hours during the peak season of the year when workloads are high which is often the case in the construction industries. The alleged problem with the current 52-hour workweek system is that it has frequently resulted in difficulties in meeting deadlines as workhours had to be limited to 52 hours regardless of the varying workload. As workhours can be legally increased to meet the demands, various industries, especially construction businesses, can meet the deadlines in a timelier manner.  However, while this system is greatly hailed by business circles, it has met with great backlash from workers and labor unions who argue that this proposed system will lead to excessive working hours.  Indeed, South Korea is infamous for its intense working culture with people working hundred hours more on average than others members of OCED member countries. In a country already plagued by a toxic working culture, this proposed system is likely to lead to excessive work hours which can increase the possibility of health hazards such as gwarosa (a Korean term which refers to death from work fatigue) Additionally, many South Korean workers are often unable to take adequate time off from work as they face difficulties in taking leave. This is due to the cultural climate which tends to disapprove of workers who claim all their holiday rights.  The country still believes that the longer a worker works, a higher level of dedication the worker shows. And it has yet to improve this toxic and exploitative work culture. Hence, given this existing cultural climate, if this 69-hour workweek system is introduced in South Korea, it is reasonable to project that workers will still not be able to take time off from work despite having worked additional hours. Furthermore, increased workhours would also mean less time workers would have for socializing, dating and marriage, which can further aggravate the country’s low birth rate which is already the lowest among the OECD countries. After carefully examining its benefits and costs, this essay concludes that the costs outweigh the benefits of this 69-hour workweek system.  While it can greatly introduce flexibility and help industries, especially construction industries, meet deadlines more easily, this system is seen as highly likely to exacerbate the country’s current intense and toxic working culture and low birth rate.  Thus, this essay argues that the proposed system should be reconsidered given the country’s existing intense work culture which frequently prevents workers from being able to take leave.  It stronlgy advises that the system is fit for introduction only when the country has established a wholesome work culture in which workers are able to enjoy their holidays and take leaves as freely as they want. 단어수: 630 words (제목 포함)