Solidarity with the Korean Metal Workers’ Union at Yoosung Piston Rings

The NTUI condemns the violent repression of the democratic rights of the workers at Yoosung Piston Rings (YPR) and extends its support to the struggle you have waged at the YPR facility, near Asan, Korea, for the implementation of new wage structures along with changes in present shift-work systems. We commend the determination you have shown in defending your rights, including improved working conditions.

We are aware that the union had asked for the implementation of new pay systems and of a 2 day-shift system. Under the current 10+1 hour work schedule with day and night shifts, workers were facing sleep disorders and other occupational health problems due to excessively long periods of night work. YPR management’s refusal to implement the proposed shift system not only threatens the workers’ long-term health and safety at work, but also is a gross violation of Article 49 of the Labour Standards Act of South Korea which allows for an 8+1 hour work day. The intent of employers in the Korean automobile industry to coerce workers to increase output per hour in exchange for implementing the law is unacceptable.

YPR management refusal to accede to worker’s legitimate demands has lead to the failure of 11 rounds of negotiation held between the union and the management. After 78% of union membership voted in favor, KMWU called for a 2-hour tool down strike at the plant on 18 May 2011 to protest against the standoff. YPR management retaliated by engaging a 3000-strong riot police to illegally lockout workers from the factory and forcibly evict more than 500 workers sitting in protest. On 19 June 2011, privately hired goons attacked a peaceful rally organised by KMWU near the Asan plant. A few days later, KMWU called off the strike, but workers were impeded in resuming work by security forces hired by the management. The workers and security forces clashed violently as workers were prevented from entering the premises, and about 100 workers were injured. The NTUI strongly condemns the violent repression of workers. Such practices are in strong violation of the basic human rights of workers and are detrimental to industrial peace. We note that the KMWU has undertaken a hunger strike at the Buddhist Jogye Temple and salute the union’s resolve to protest the management refusal to bargain in good faith and sincerity.

The NTUI condemns YPR management’s disrespect of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Adjustment Act of South Korea which prohibits unjustified refusals and delays during industrial negotiations, while also requiring the management to bargain in good faith and sincerity. Instead of adhering to the law of the land, there is evidence that shows that YPR management has designed long-term union busting plans with Hyundai Motors management (Hyundai procures 70% of its piston rings from Yoosung), of which the standoff and illegal lockout are a part. The NTUI condemns the interference of management of other companies in this dispute and strongly condemns the strategically planned union busting practices of Hyundai and YPR management.

The NTUI supports KMWU members at YPR in their demand to immediately set forward collective bargaining procedures in good faith for a democratic and peaceful resolution of this dispute.