Kumho Tire Fire... "Double Star Must Present Responsible Measures"

Employment, Compensation, and Local Economy Discussed at June 2 Strategy Meeting
Gwangsan District Urges "Double Star Must State Its Position Before Damage Spreads"
Calls to Reflect the Voices of Workers and Residents

On June 2, Gwangsan District held a strategy meeting in the district office situation room to address the response to the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant fire. The meeting was attended by about 20 representatives from labor, management, civil society, and government, including District Mayor Park Byungkyu, Gwangsan District Council Chairman Kim Myungsoo, Kumho Tire Labor-Management Cooperation Executive Director Sung Yongtae, and Kumho Tire Labor Union Chairman Hwang Kyungsoon.

At the Kumho Tire fire response strategy meeting held on the 2nd in the Gwangsan District Office situation room in Gwangju, attendees are discussing key issues. Provided by Gwangsan District Office

The meeting covered topics such as compensation for residents affected by the fire, efforts to designate the area as an employment crisis zone, plans for normalizing plant operations, and measures to protect the local economy. According to Gwangsan District, a total of 19,183 cases of damage were reported between May 19 and 30, including 11,658 cases of personal injury, 5,677 cases of property damage, and 1,848 other cases.

Mayor Park stated, "Just as with the fire response, an early response is crucial for the local economy as well," and emphasized, "Double Star, as the major shareholder of Kumho Tire, must take a responsible approach to resolving the issue." He further called for "practical measures such as a transparent investigation, employment security, and stabilization of daily life."

The labor union proposed establishing a structure for ongoing discussions. Chairman Hwang Kyungsoon said, "There needs to be an organization where residents and workers can express their opinions," and added, "I hope this meeting will not be a one-time event." The union also called on Double Star to promptly clarify its official position on future plans, including relocation, closure, or reconstruction of the plant.

Residents also expressed their concerns. Park Woncheol, chairman of the Eoryong-dong Residents' Association, said, "Community cooperation is essential to minimize damage," and stressed, "Plans for employment stability and compensation should be transparently shared with residents, and Double Star's position should be announced as soon as possible."

Mayor Park reiterated, "Double Star must directly state its position and demonstrate a responsible attitude," and added, "This meeting will not be a one-time event but will continue on an ongoing basis."