GNP considers shortening working hours

The ruling Grand National Party (GNP) is considering pledges to reduce working hours to improve workers' quality of life and create more jobs ahead of April's general elections, party officials said Sunday.

The latest proposal is in accordance with the center-right party's move to expand social welfare programs as part of efforts to galvanize voters ahead of the April polls. Welfare and job concerns are shaping up as the big campaign issues.

Rep. Lim Hae-kyu, the GNP's vice policymaker, said the pledge for reducing working hours is aimed at raising the nation's employment rate by distributing jobs to a greater number of people.

"Decreasing overtime that surpasses 40 hours per week as much as possible is directly related to the job market and welfare," Lim said.

As for ways to accomplish such goals, Lim suggested that companies adopt flexible work hours and increase paid maternity leave up to 10 days, from the current five days.

Korea's average yearly working hours totaled 2,111 hours in 2010, the most among countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and exceeding the statutory limits of 40 hours per week, which adds up to about 1,920 hours a year.

(Yonhap)