Feb 19 β€’ 09:50 UTC πŸ‡°πŸ‡· Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Victory of Employment Succession for Korean GM After a Month: Thanks to Communication with Union Members

Korean GM reached an agreement to retain all employees from its Sejong Logistics Center after significant pressure from the workers' union and public commitment from the government regarding labor rights.

After a month of tension and uncertainty for 96 workers at the Korean GM Sejong Parts Logistics Center, the labor union and management reached a significant agreement for all employees to maintain their jobs. This decision came following collective efforts from the union in response to distressing layoffs that saw workers classified as dismissals just months prior. President Lee Jae-myung publicly supported the workers' rights to unite and emphasized that labor should not be unjustly oppressed, reinforcing morale within the union that had been vocal against unfair labor practices.

The situation unfolded after a series of tough negotiations, where Korean GM originally had contracted with a subcontractor, Woojin Logistics, which ultimately ended in layoffs for all workers associated with it. The union attempted legal action to clarify the status of their employment and advocated for fair treatment and proper wages. The changing dynamics included pressure from the union, which withstood attempts by Korean GM to manipulate the narrative, leading to public scrutiny. After months of striking and demanding job security, the workers stood their ground, leading to eventual acknowledgment from Korean GM of their rightful status as employees.

In what can be seen as a hopeful turnaround, the victory for the workers at the Sejong Logistics Center serves as a testament to the power of collective action and communication among union members. The younger union leadership faced great pressure during the crisis yet has now emerged with a stronger voice. This incident also highlights the essential role of labor rights advocacy in South Korea's industrial relations landscape, challenging companies to prioritize fair treatment and labor security in their operations.

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