GGM Union: 'Major Shareholder Gwangju City Must Not Remain Passive'... Protest Enters 101st Day
The union of Gwangju Global Motors (GGM) is pressuring the city of Gwangju to take responsibility for resolving ongoing labor disputes as their protest enters its 101st day, highlighting allegations of managerial misconduct and workers' rights violations.
The Gwangju Global Motors (GGM) union's tent protest has surpassed 100 days, signaling persistent conflicts without resolution. On the 101st day of their protest, the Metal Workers' Union and GGM held a press conference in front of the Gwangju City Hall, urging Gwangju City, the largest shareholder of GGM, to intervene and address labor issues. The union has pointed out that the cityβs inaction contrasts sharply with findings from the local labor committee that confirmed accusations of retaliation, human rights violations, and union suppression by the company.
A ruling by the Jeonnam Regional Labor Commission found GGM's claims about financial distress due to union strikes to be false, categorizing it as inappropriate interference in union activities. Additionally, actions taken against the unionβs internal gatherings and efforts to remove their promotional materials were deemed unlawful, violating labor rights as guaranteed by the constitution. The union argues that claims that their activities violate the so-called 'workplace synergy agreement' are unconstitutional and disregard the right to organize.
Gwangju City Mayor Kang Ki-jung expressed regret over the unionβs formation, maintaining a stance that the city must respect the agreements despite the union's pleas for accountability. GGM union leader Kim Jin-tae criticized the city and the company, pointing to the disparity between the company's financial success and the challenges faced by laborers, many of whom have suffered due to long hours and increased demands. The ongoing turmoil suggests a critical need for accountability and dialogue between GGM's management and union representatives, as city officials are urged to take a more proactive role in resolving these issues.