Cabinet Approves Labor Law Changes for Hourly Leave and Rest Breaks

The Cabinet approved Tuesday a revised labor law allowing the hourly use of paid annual leave, which is currently permitted only on a daily basis. Under the revised Labor Standards Act, workers will be allowed to take paid annual leave on an hourly basis, as well as in full-day units, with employers who violate the provision subject to penalties, according to Cheong Wa Dae.

The revision also requires employers to allow workers to leave immediately after four consecutive hours of work without taking a rest break, if they so request.

Under the current law, employers must provide a rest break during working hours, often requiring workers to remain at the workplace for a break even after completing four hours of work. The current law mandates a 30-minute break after four hours of work and a one-hour break after eight hours of work.

The revision also prohibits employers from dismissing or disadvantaging workers for taking or applying for paid annual leave. The provision allowing the hourly use of paid leave will take effect one year after the revision's promulgation, while the provision on rest breaks will enter into force six months after promulgation, according to the presidential office.