“The core of labour market policy is to protect the rights and interests of underprivileged workers, such as the MZ generation, workers not in a union and those working in small and medium-sized businesses,” reported the Korea Herald.Īlready known for its workaholic culture, South Korea’s plan was heralded by the government as a way to combat an ageing population and declining workforce. He called on the agencies to “communicate better with the public, especially with Generation Z and Millennials”, said his press secretary, Kim Eun-hye. Its plan was at odds with many other countries around the world and is well above the average 38-hour week in Australia.īut protests from Millennials and Gen Z in South Korea forced its President Yoon Suk Yeo to order government agencies to reconsider the measure. South Korea’s conservative government had proposed raising the work week from 52 hours to a whopping 69 hours. The move, which could have been introduced as early as July, sparked protests from trade unions and employees, with younger workers arguing it would destroy their work-life balance and put their health at risk.

Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald PodcastĪn intense backlash from younger workers in South Korea – after the government proposed a 69-hour work week - has prompted a dramatic backflip.

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