Broadcaster Park Myung-soo expressed his opinion on the 4.5-day workweek.
On the 12th, on KBS Radio's Park Myung-soo's Radio Show segment "Search N Chart," broadcaster Jeon Min-gi appeared and talked with Park Myung-soo about the 4.5-day workweek.
Jeon Min-gi said, "There is recent news that plays with office workers' minds. As discussions between the government and labor groups have begun in earnest, they plan to launch a pilot project within this year. Perhaps in 21 years, leaving work at lunch on Friday could become possible," mentioning the 4.5-day workweek.
He continued, "If I recall, when I was young we had a 5.5-day workweek. We worked on Saturdays. We used to say it would be nice if it ended at noon on Saturday. Fathers also worked until lunch and came home."
In response, Park Myung-soo said, "Honestly, I think it's because we did things that way that we live like this. It was tough back then, but because we worked hard we created, to some extent, this kind of world."
Jeon Min-gi said, "According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Korea's average annual working hours are 1,904 hours, which is 185 hours more than the OECD average. Only five countries have longer hours than Korea, including Colombia, Mexico and Chile, and the surge in momentum for the 4.5-day workweek came during the COVID-19 period. The perception arose that it's fine as long as you complete the given tasks. Public opinion is favorable. Sixty-one percent of the public supported introducing the 4.5-day workweek, and 60% hoped for salary maintenance. Those opposed raise issues such as wage cuts and limits to labor productivity."
Park Myung-soo said, "If the population is small and you reduce work," and added, "They shouldn't negotiate. The problem is that they negotiate. We even work during Chuseok, so freelancers don't care. This should be done according to the times. Rather than sitting around with nothing to do and shaking your leg, exercising isn't a bad option," expressing both sides' views.
He added, "I think various discussions are necessary. The economy isn't good, and corporations have their positions, and companies need to do well for all of us to live together. Of course, we need to adjust the working environment for people who work, so I hope agreements can be reached through dialogue."
[Photo] OSEN DB
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