Park: "Possibility of Retirement Mentioned as a Precaution"
Union: "Threat to Livelihood... Demand an Official Apology"
After Park Byungkyu, the mayor of Gwangsan District, expressed a negative outlook on reinvestment in or relocation of the Kumho Tire Gwangju Plant following the recent fire, the labor union voiced strong opposition.
On the morning of the 28th, Kumho Tire Gwangju Plant union members clashed with public officials in front of the office of the Gwangsan District Mayor in Gwangju. Park Byungkyu, the mayor of Gwangsan District, sparked controversy the day before by mentioning restructuring and other issues regarding the relocation of the Kumho Tire Gwangju Plant, which had stopped operations due to a large fire. Yonhap News
On the morning of the 28th, around 50 executives from the Kumho Tire branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union visited the Gwangsan District Office to express regret over Mayor Park Byungkyu's remarks and demanded an apology. During a press briefing the previous day, Mayor Park reportedly stated that the likelihood of reinvestment in or relocation of the Gwangju plant was low, and also mentioned the possibility of workforce restructuring.
In response, the union criticized, "Neither labor nor management has made any official statement regarding the plant's relocation or follow-up measures after the fire," and called Park's comments "irresponsible remarks that directly threaten workers' livelihoods." The union further argued that "the remarks were inappropriate, as they failed to consider the suffering of workers who lost their workplace due to the fire."
During this process, union members attempted to approach the mayor's office to request a meeting with Mayor Park, who was out for an external engagement, leading to a scuffle with public officials.
On the afternoon of the 28th, Park Byungkyu, the head of Gwangsan District Office in Gwangju, is meeting with representatives of the Kumho Tire labor union who visited to protest. The union protested on this day, taking issue with Park's remarks regarding the relocation prospects of the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant. Photo by Yonhap News
During the meeting, Mayor Park refused to apologize, explaining, "Although it is an uncomfortable truth, my intention was to emphasize the need for advance preparation before such situations occur." He added, "Plant 2 cannot be operated, and it is highly likely that operations will focus on Plant 1, as well as the Pyeongtaek and Gokseong plants. Since recovery will take time, I mentioned the possibility of job reassignment or voluntary retirement."
He also stated, "Management may make decisions that differ from what citizens expect," and emphasized, "The union should publicly demonstrate responsibility for the damage suffered by the local community." He further added, "Measures for partner company employment should also be prepared, and it is time to focus on practical solutions rather than protests."
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