GGM Union Rejects Tripartite Strike Suspension... Proposes Intensive Negotiations

"Blocking Strikes for Three Years Is Not a Solution"

The Gwangju-Jeonnam Branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union, Gwangju Global Motors Chapter, held a press conference on the morning of the 3rd in the training room on the 3rd floor of the Gwangju Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions in Buk-gu, Gwangju, to express their position regarding the GGM mediation proposal. Photo by the Gwangju-Jeonnam Branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union, Gwangju Global Motors Chapter

The Gwangju Global Motors (GGM) labor union has proposed one month of intensive negotiations with management, stating that the Gwangju City Labor-Management-Civil Administration Council's conflict mediation and arbitration proposal, which calls for postponing strikes until the production of 350,000 units is achieved, restricts the three basic labor rights.

On the morning of the 3rd, the Gwangju Global Motors branch of the Gwangju-Jeonnam branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union held a press conference at the education room on the third floor of the Gwangju headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions in Buk-gu, Gwangju, to express their position on the GGM arbitration proposal. They stated, "An arbitration proposal that blocks the right to strike for three years cannot be a solution. We propose one month of intensive negotiations with management."

The GGM union explained, "If the goal is to prevent a strike, we propose that labor and management engage in intensive negotiations during a period of peace. The postponement of strikes also conflicts with the statement that the arbitration proposal was formed 'within the scope of respecting the three basic labor rights.'"

They added, "The union has consistently requested that the arbitration proposal be made on the basis of recognizing the three basic labor rights. Considering that there is no permanent monitoring body for GGM conflict issues as recommended by the arbitration proposal, we suggest that the special mediation committee extend its activity period to support conflict resolution and smooth negotiations." We hope this will be accepted so that GGM can move forward as a democratic workplace that recognizes constitutional values and the three basic labor rights, enabling labor and management to coexist.

Previously, the Gwangju City Labor-Management-Civil Administration Council prepared and recommended a mediation and arbitration proposal to the union and management to resolve the GGM conflict.

For the union, the proposal suggested postponing strikes until the production target of 350,000 units is achieved, respecting the role of the labor-management win-win council, and actively cooperating with the introduction of a two-shift system to achieve the production target early.

For management, the proposal included providing office space necessary for union and win-win council activities, implementing a check-off system for union dues, expanding the scope of paid time off for collective bargaining (from 4 hours to 8 hours), expanding supply volume (with the introduction of a two-shift system) and introducing new models as part of the company’s vision, and expanding the joint employee welfare fund.