General Strike on the Cards Following Kumho Layoff Announcement

The Korea Times has reported general strike plans following the announcement of large-scale layoffs at Kumho Tires. Company management is said to have announced the names of 1,199 workers that will be laid off from its Gwangju plant on April 2 under a restructuring plan. Management says 1,006 of the laid off workers will be rehired by subcontractors. These plans were unsuccessfully opposed by union representatives, who attempted to reach a compromise with Kumho by offering salary and reduction bonuses.

“If we accept the proposal from the labour union, we will shoulder 38 billion won (₤1.3 million) in additional costs each year,” a spokesman for Kumho Tires spokesperson said. “We cannot accept it.” The union now says it will hold general meetings on March 5 and 6 and then hold a vote early next week to decide whether or not to go ahead with a general strike. “We will continue to fight,” said a union spokesman. “But if the management wants to resume talks to find a breakthrough, we will willingly cooperate.” In a statement, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions said: “If Kumho Tires launches a strike, we will also join their struggle with all we have.”