Changes To The Rules For The Discretionary Working Hour System

Introduction

On March 30, 2023, the "Ministerial Ordinance Partially Amending the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Labor Standards Act and the Act on Special Measures for Improvement of Working Hours Arrangements" (Ordinance of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare No. 39 of 2023; "Amended Ministerial Ordinance") and "Notice Partially Amending the Guidelines to Ensure Appropriate Working Conditions for Workers Engaged in the Work Specified in Article 38- 4, Paragraph 1, Item 1 of the Labor Standards Act Pursuant to the Same Article and Paragraph and the Work Designated by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Pursuant to Article 24-2- 2, Paragraph 2, Item 6 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Labor Standards Act" (Notice of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare No. 115 of 2023; "Amended Notice", and collectively with the Amended Ministerial Ordinance, "Amendment") were announced. By this Amendment, the changes to the rules for the discretionary