Why the Minister of Labor Visited Renault Korea's Busan Plant

Renault Korea announced on the 16th that Lee Jeong-sik, Minister of Employment and Labor, and government officials held a labor-management meeting at Renault Korea's Busan plant. The meeting was held to discuss the establishment of a healthy labor-management relationship and the necessary government support measures.

The labor-management meeting held on the 15th was attended by Renault Korea officials including President St?phane Deblaise and Union Chairman Kim Dong-seok, as well as government officials such as Minister Lee Jeong-sik and Kim Jun-hwi, Director of the Busan Employment and Labor Office. The meeting was arranged ahead of the enforcement of the "Act on Employment Stability Support, etc. in Response to Industrial Transition," which was enacted to prepare for the transformation of the automobile industry.

(Photo from left) Stephan Deleze, President of Renault Korea; Lee Hae-jin, Head of Manufacturing Division at Renault Korea; and Lee Jung-sik, Minister of Employment and Labor, are touring the Renault Korea Busan Plant. Photo by Renault Korea

President Deblaise said, "The production flexibility of the Busan plant, capable of mixed production of up to eight types on a single line, is thanks to the employees who have strived to maintain quality," adding, "We have been maintaining continuous communication with the labor union for a win-win labor-management relationship."

He then explained the future plans at the Busan plant. He said, "We plan to launch various new cars in the domestic market, including a new mid-size hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) to be unveiled at the Busan Mobility Show in June, and we will also produce the Polestar 4 electric vehicle in the second half of next year."

Union Chairman Kim mentioned the difficulties faced by production workers due to last year's sales decline and production volume reduction, stating, "Employment stability is created by consumers," and emphasized, "Labor and management will work together to prepare thoroughly for new cars in the second half of this year, and the union will take the lead in the successful sales of new cars."

Minister Lee praised Renault Korea's efforts for labor-management coexistence. He said, "To achieve a competitive industrial transition, excellent human resources and collaboration with parts suppliers are important, and I hope Renault Korea's future car project becomes an excellent model of future car transition that brings employment stability to parts suppliers as well."

Renault Korea promised a large-scale investment in Busan City last March. Over the next three years, it plans to invest 118 billion KRW in equipment replacement for future car production such as hybrid and electric vehicles at the Busan plant and hire 200 new employees.