"Plan to directly hire 200-300 domestic workers
Additional employment of 2,800 foreign workers"
"We will hire more domestic workers."
Han Young-seok, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hyundai Heavy Industries, said this on the 22nd during a meeting with reporters at the '200 Million Horsepower Large Engine Production Achievement Ceremony' held at the Hyundai Heavy Industries engine assembly plant in Ulsan. He stated, "Those who must be the true technological leaders in the shipbuilding industry are domestic workers."
Vice Chairman Han said, "We plan to hire many workers directly," adding, "We expect to recruit 200 to 300 domestic workers this year." He further emphasized, "Our company’s foundation must develop strongly based on domestic workers."
Han Young-seok, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hyundai Heavy Industries, answering reporters' questions on the 22nd at the Hyundai Heavy Industries engine assembly plant in Ulsan. [Photo by HD Hyundai Press Corps]
Regarding concerns that the shipbuilding ecosystem might collapse due to labor shortages, Vice Chairman Han twice stressed not to worry. He said, "It will not collapse. Please do not worry," and added, "We will ensure it does not collapse, so please do not worry."
He revealed plans to hire 2,800 foreign workers this year to address the labor shortage issue. He stated, "About 800 foreign workers have joined Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries subcontractors," and added, "Including this, we will hire a total of about 2,800 additional foreign workers within the year." Combining this with the domestic hiring plan, it means a maximum of 3,100 workers will be added this year alone.
He also said, "It is the company’s responsibility to make foreign workers enjoy working," and added, "If foreign workers become even better than us at work, the shipbuilding industry could reach the top within 2 to 3 years."
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