Samsung gets okay to extend chip workers’ hours
Samsung has become the first company in South Korea to get permission from the government to let its chip-making employees work longer hours. The decision comes after the country changed its labor rules last month to help the semiconductor industry stay competitive.
Before this change, workers in Samsung’s chip division, called System LSI, couldn’t work more than 52 hours a week. This made it tough to meet project deadlines, slowing down progress. Many reports last year said the rule was hurting Samsung’s ability to keep up with rivals. Other companies in Korea also felt the same way.
Now, with the new approval from the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s Gyeonggi branch, Samsung’s chip team can work up to 64 hours a week for the first three months. After that, the limit will drop to 60 hours a week for the next three months. This change is meant to help Samsung boost its output and stay strong in the global chip market.
However, it’s unclear if workers will get extra pay for the longer hours. Other chip companies in Korea are also looking to get similar permissions. Samsung’s chip division faces big challenges, like keeping up with competitors such as TSMC. The company hopes this move will help it stay ahead in the fast-moving tech world.
