GGM Union Holds Fifth Strike: "Disciplinary Action Against Executives" vs "Groundless Claims" (Comprehensive)

Five Strikes Since the First Walkout on January 10
122 Union Members Participate in Four-Hour Afternoon Strike
General Office Staff Deployed... No Disruption to Production
Union: "Increase in Plant Output Without Consultation"
Management: "Production Increase Was Agreed at the Win-Win Council"

Exterior view of Gwangju Global Motors.

The workers of Gwangju Global Motors (GGM), who have been in conflict with management due to the breakdown of wage and collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations over wage increase proposals and other issues, have launched their fifth partial strike, citing reasons such as 'disciplinary action against union executives' and 'increasing the number of vehicles produced at the body plant without consultation.'

The management countered that they had already informed and obtained consent for the production increase through the Win-Win Council in advance, and that claims regarding disciplinary discussions and forced reassignment of union members were unfounded.

According to the GGM branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union on the 6th, all 122 union members began a four-hour partial strike from 12:20 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. that day.

Despite the breakdown of CBA negotiations and mediation meetings by labor authorities, the union has continued to strike five times since January 10, unable to narrow differences with management.

A GGM union official stated, "The management unilaterally removed strike promotional materials and banners, and discussed disciplinary action against executives engaged in union activities," adding, "The management also raised the hourly production at the body plant from 28 to 29 vehicles without consulting the union. This has increased both working hours and intensity."

The management explained that about 100 substitute workers, including general office staff, were deployed to fill the vacancies of striking union members, so there were no disruptions in the production process.

In response, a GGM official said, "Disciplinary actions are being carried out in accordance with the disciplinary procedures in the company's employment rules. The union's claims regarding disciplinary action are groundless," and added, "The increase of one vehicle per hour at the body plant was to meet the client company's request for additional production due to a backlog in production of the Casper (Inster) EV vehicle."

The official also said, "In February, the company explained the need for the increase at the 'Win-Win Council,' and agreement was reached regarding the additional personnel and schedule," adding, "There has been no forced reassignment of union members from departments with high strike participation rates."

GGM labor and management have failed to narrow their differences over issues such as wages, welfare, and full-time union executive positions, resulting in six failed rounds of CBA negotiations.