Kwon Young-se, the emergency response chairperson of the People Power Party, criticized the opposition's attempt to exclude the '52-hour workweek exemption' from the semiconductor special law on the 28th, stating, "If the 52-hour workweek exemption is not allowed, then the semiconductor special law is nothing more than a 'normal semiconductor law.'"

On Nov. 28, Kwon Young-se, Chairman of the Emergency Response Committee of the People Power Party, visits the MiCo Dongtan Phase II site, a ceramic material parts manufacturing company in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, and examines the analysis process of ceramic powder, a raw material for semiconductor equipment parts. /Courtesy of Yonhap News

Kwon noted that after visiting a semiconductor corporation in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, he spoke with reporters, saying, "I firmly understood that working intensively when necessary is crucial for the survival of corporations."

The Democratic Party of Korea stated the day before that they would designate the semiconductor special law as a fast-track item. This indicates they intend to prioritize parts agreed upon by both parties, and it seems the contentious 52-hour workweek exemption clause will be excluded.

Kwon emphasized, "Even if it takes 2 to 3 years, the 52-hour workweek exemption must be enforced," adding, "We must prevent the loss of competitiveness in our semiconductor corporations and damage to national competitiveness due to forces like the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions."

He further stated, "During the previous inter-party meeting, (Democratic Party) leader Lee Jae-myung said, 'He heard from the industry that the 52-hour workweek (exemption application) is not that necessary,' but I never believed his words from the beginning."

Earlier, Kwon addressed attendees at a meeting with company officials, stating, "The semiconductor special law is currently stuck and unable to move forward due to the opposition. The opposition has shown an inconsistent stance on the 52-hour workweek exemption and is ultimately trying to push it through via fast track while excluding the exemption," and pointed out, "This is an irresponsible act that ignores the characteristics of the semiconductor industry."

On Nov. 28, Kwon Young-se, Chairman of the Emergency Response Committee of the People Power Party, visits the MiCo Dongtan Phase II site, a ceramic material parts manufacturing company in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, and holds a meeting with Lee Seok-yoon, CEO of MiCo, and the research team. /Courtesy of Yonhap News

He also conveyed the message from former President Lee Myung-bak the day before, stating, 'The government must actively assist the semiconductor industry.'

Kwon remarked, "Creativity and innovation come from autonomy. The flexible operation of working hours is a continuous demand from the industry," and added, "A flexible working environment that respects the autonomy and creativity of researchers is precisely the foundation for our semiconductor industry to make a comeback."

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