Homeplus workers held solo protests in front of 90 stores nationwide on the 15th, urging MBK Partners Chairman Kim Byung-joo, the major shareholder, to appear before the National Assembly.
The National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee has summoned Chairman Kim as a witness to question him on Homeplus-related issues on the 18th. However, Chairman Kim submitted a letter of non-attendance, stating, "MBK does not intervene in the management of individual companies (Homeplus) after the investment is completed."
Members of the Homeplus branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Mart Industry Union protested in front of 90 stores where union members work out of Homeplus's 126 stores, holding placards with phrases such as "MBK Kim Byung-joo, attend the National Assembly and respond" and "Scam MBK, save Homeplus."
The union members criticized, "Chairman Kim Byung-joo, as the head of MBK, must show a responsible attitude toward the corporate rehabilitation issues of Homeplus," and added, "The stance of 'not intervening in individual company management' is an evasion of responsibility."
Ahn Yong-su, chairman of the Homeplus branch of the Mart Industry Union, stated, "The rehabilitation plan, including the sale of stores and the Express business division, is merely a measure to temporarily extend the existence of Homeplus," and argued, "Ultimately, it is a path to liquidate Homeplus." He continued, "A practical rehabilitation plan that does not decrease corporate value is necessary, and MBK must take responsibility and resolve this."
Since Homeplus received the court's decision to commence rehabilitation proceedings on the 4th of this month, it is reported that the number of workers joining the Mart Industry Union has increased by more than 20 per day.
The Homeplus branch of the Mart Industry Union plans to hold a delegates' meeting on the 18th to announce a struggle plan opposing restructuring and additional store sales.
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