Im Jong-ryong Meets Woori Financial Union in First Official Move

Emphasizing Willingness to Communicate with the Union
Union: "Even a Little Trust Has Been Built"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Im Jong-ryong, the nominee for chairman of Woori Financial Group, met with the labor union on the 9th as his first official activity.

Park Bong-su, chairman of the Woori Financial labor union, said in a phone call that “there was a request from (nominee) Im to visit the union on his first day at work, so we met.” Im visited the labor union office within Woori Financial’s headquarters and held an official meeting with Chairman Park and other union executives. They had also held an informal meeting once before on the 7th.

During the meeting, Im emphasized his willingness to communicate with the union. He said, “I understand well why the union opposes, and I think it is natural,” adding, “I will fulfill my duties as a management partner of the union.” He also stressed, “From today, I will become a person of Woori Financial.” Both sides also agreed on guaranteeing the autonomy of each affiliate of Woori Financial.

Chairman Park said, “The atmosphere of the meeting was good. Since nominee Im acknowledged the union’s representativeness and the status of the largest shareholder and contacted us directly, some trust can be said to have been built.” The union, which had initially announced a tough stance, hinted at improving relations.

Im was confirmed as the final candidate for the next chairman of Woori Financial through the Woori Financial Executive Candidate Recommendation Committee on the 3rd. He is preparing for the shareholders’ meeting scheduled for the 24th of next month by setting up an office near Woori Financial’s headquarters training center and receiving business reports.

[Image source=Yonhap News]