SPC-Minnocho... A Conflict with No Exit

Whistleblower on Hygiene Violations
Application for Public Interest Report and Protective Measures
SPC Refutes "False Information"

CCTV footage inside the Dunkin' Donuts Anyang factory. The CCTV shows worker A seemingly brushing off oil vapor from a spatula onto the dough.

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] The conflict between SPC Group and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) is deepening.

On the 5th, according to SPC and KCTU, Mr. A, who reported unsanitary conditions at the Dunkin' Donuts manufacturing plant to the media, filed a public interest report with the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission along with a request for whistleblower protection measures. Mr. A, known as an official affiliated with KCTU, included in the protection request ▲confirmation of violation of whistleblower confidentiality obligations by related parties ▲restoration of unfair personnel actions and other disadvantages.

KCTU is escalating its offensive by releasing additional videos. KCTU stated, "They are trying to distort the essence of this issue by claiming the whistleblower's video was manipulated," and added, "The whistleblower has suffered severe defamation as well as a disadvantageous measure of suspension from work." They further said, "In addition to the Dunkin' Anyang plant inspected by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, four other plants were also judged as non-compliant in food hygiene inspections."

SPC denied KCTU's claims as false. According to SPC, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's pointed issues were related to drainage facilities, not problems with dough or other equipment as shown in the previously released whistleblower video. Regarding KCTU's claim of defamation against the whistleblower, SPC stated that they have requested a police investigation and will await the results.

KCTU is also prolonging the logistics strike targeting SPC workplaces. On the 4th, the Cargo Solidarity of the KCTU Public Transport Union regrouped at the SPC Samlip Cheongju plant and attempted to enter the factory. The Cargo Solidarity held logistics shipment obstruction rallies near the SPC Samlip Cheongju plant twice, from the 23rd to 24th and from the 26th to 30th of last month.

As the conflict between SPC and KCTU intensifies, the damage to franchise owners is increasing, and calls for resolution are growing louder. The Self-Employed Solidarity recently demanded that SPC unconditionally accept franchise contract terminations requested by franchisees and provide compensation for damages. They also urged KCTU to stop strikes that put the lives of self-employed people at risk.