Samsung just became the first company in South Korea to allow its staff to work 64 hours weekly instead of the normal 52. The government approved this change for chip-making researchers. Officials hope longer hours will help Samsung beat competitors. The labor ministry gave permission on April 9 after laws changed on March 14. All research staff must work these extra hours.
There is no word if Samsung workers will earn more money for working twelve additional hours each week. The extended schedule runs six months before Samsung needs fresh approval. Previously, companies could only stretch work hours for three months at a time. Other chip companies plan similar requests as they race against each other. Labor officials say firms can apply once for extensions.
Samsung recently improved its manufacturing process, reaching 40 percent yields with 2nm chips compared to 30 percent during earlier test runs. These gains show Samsung moving forward against its rival, TSMC. The news leaves questions about whether laws protect employees from burnout or guarantee fair pay. The company pushes ahead with longer schedules as the competition heats up in semiconductor markets.
There is no word if Samsung workers will earn more money for working twelve additional hours each week. The extended schedule runs six months before Samsung needs fresh approval. Previously, companies could only stretch work hours for three months at a time. Other chip companies plan similar requests as they race against each other. Labor officials say firms can apply once for extensions.
Samsung recently improved its manufacturing process, reaching 40 percent yields with 2nm chips compared to 30 percent during earlier test runs. These gains show Samsung moving forward against its rival, TSMC. The news leaves questions about whether laws protect employees from burnout or guarantee fair pay. The company pushes ahead with longer schedules as the competition heats up in semiconductor markets.
