On September 19, 2025, the Ministry of Labor officially amended the Guidelines on Attendance and Wage Payment for Workers of Business Entities During Natural Disasters (hereinafter referred to as the “Guidelines”), with immediate effect. This amendment revises Points 3, 7, and 8, and introduces a new Point 6-1, clarifying employers’ obligations to provide commuting assistance to workers during natural disasters.

Key Points of the Amendment

1. Commuting Assistance Must Be Specified in Advance (Point 3):
   In addition to attendance management and wage payment matters during natural disasters, employers are now also required to specifically include commuting assistance provisions in labor contracts, collective agreements, or work rules in advance. If such provisions are not stipulated, employers must follow the standards set forth in the Guidelines.
2. Newly Added Employer Duty to Provide Commuting Assistance (Point 6-1):
   If an employer, due to operational necessity, requires a worker to attend work during a natural disaster, the employer must provide commuting assistance to ensure worker safety. For instance, when strong winds or heavy rains make the worker’s regular commuting method difficult and the worker needs to take a taxi, the employer shall bear the related costs.
3. Revisions to Language in Points 7 and 8:
   In conjunction with the addition of Point 6-1, the Ministry of Labor has also revised the wording of Points 7 and 8 accordingly.

Other Supporting Measures

In addition, the Ministry has simultaneously amended the Guidelines for the Review of Work Rules and the Reference Manual for Work Rules. When local competent authorities review companies’ work rules, they will require business entities to incorporate provisions related to commuting assistance.

Conclusion

This amendment clarifies employers’ obligations to provide commuting assistance during natural disasters. To mitigate disputes and risks related to worker attendance during natural disasters, enterprises and institutions are advised to immediately review and revise their labor contracts, collective agreements, and work rules to include clear provisions on commuting assistance. Doing so will ensure legal compliance and contribute to maintaining stable labor relations.