Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises expressed disappointment on the 19th regarding the Supreme Court's full bench ruling that "conditional regular bonuses with employment and working day conditions fall under regular wage."
KBIZ issued a statement that day, noting, "We respect the judiciary's decision, but express disappointment." It went on to say, "In 2013, the Supreme Court's full bench ruled that conditional regular bonuses do not fall under regular wage."
KBIZ added, "Recently, small and medium enterprises and small business owners are facing worsening management conditions due to ongoing high interest rates, inflation, and prolonged sluggish domestic demand." It also expressed concern that "the recent ruling could result in additional expense burdens for small and medium enterprises and increased conflicts between labor and management, potentially leading to job reductions."
KBIZ emphasized, "However, it is fortunate that there was no retroactive application to avoid confusion; nonetheless, both labor and management need to work together to simplify the wage system and transition from a seniority-based wage system to a performance-based wage system following this ruling."