Starting next year, companies with 300 emplyees must abide by the new workweek rule. Large firms with more than 300 workers have been following the rule since July 2018. If a company violates it, the employer can face up to two years in prison or a fine of around 20 million won ($17,089).

The former head of the country’s antitrust watchdog Fair Trade Commission, also called for the business leaders to support the legislation of flexible workhour system.

The flexible work hour system is designed to help employers keep the 52-hour workweek rule by creating a system of flexible working hours for employees. If an employees’ working hours exceed 52 per week, they can reduce their working hours another week.

While the government, corporate representatives and labor unions last month agreed to proceed with the flexible work-hour system, the main opposition Liberty Korea Party said they won’t support the legislation unless there are more measures to offset the downside of adopting flexible working hours.

Korea Enterprise Federation Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, however, voiced concern over increased labor costs and urged the government to take “complimentary measures” for a 52-hour workweek system.

“Reducing working hours without due consideration -- such as implementing a 52-hour workweek regulation can prevent the companies from actively expanding their business at home and overseas,” said Sohn.

Pointing out the possibility of a flexible working hour could worsen labor shortage in SMEs and undermine their business performance, Sohn said companies with less than 300 employees should be granted a one-year grace period before implementing the rule.

By Yeo Jun-suk (jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)