Ace Sonbo Union Demands Management Acknowledge Responsibility for COVID-19 Cluster Infection

The closure of the Korea Building in Sindorim-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul, where the largest cluster infection of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the metropolitan area occurred, was partially lifted at midnight on the 16th for some areas (offices and commercial spaces on floors 1 to 6). Guro-gu, Seoul, lifted the closure order for the Korea Building at midnight on the 16th. The closure order for the call center floors, 7 to 12, will be maintained until the 22nd, and the decision to lift the order will be made later depending on the situation. The photo shows the entrance of the building with the second closure order posted on that day. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] The Ace Insurance Labor Union requested on the 11th that the company stop its outdated practices of suppressing the union and acknowledge responsibility for the COVID-19 cluster infections among call center and head office employees.

According to the Ace Insurance union, the company monitored the union branch chief in real time and questioned their whereabouts whenever they left their seat. Additionally, the management reportedly instructed daily reports on whether union activities were taking place in the office, whether there was contact between the union and employees, and whether any employees participated in assembly activities during working hours.

They particularly claimed that after the Ace Insurance union held a picket protest on the 8th, the company intensified its union suppression efforts.

The union emphasized, "this is a clear example of how thoroughly union officials are being monitored," adding, "If the company questions employees about where they went every time they briefly leave their seats, that place is more dreadful than a prison."

The union also revealed that on the 8th, the company followed the branch chief distributing union promotional materials and took photos, activating a typical union suppression manual.

The union argued that the management "does not see the union as a party to engage in dialogue with, but rather as a target to be eliminated," and said, "If the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission members decided to suspend mediation and pointed out to Ace Insurance to 'learn from the labor-management culture of other companies,' how serious must the situation be?"

The union added, "Ace Insurance’s refusal to acknowledge responsibility for the COVID-19 cluster infections among subcontracted call center and head office employees located in Guro-gu, Seoul, is connected to its disregard for the union," and stated, "The principal contractor, Ace Insurance, claims it is the subcontractor’s issue and has not issued a public apology. They even respond by saying not to discuss anything other than wages at the negotiation table."

The National Office and Financial Services Labor Union stated, "Ace Insurance must stop suppressing the union and promise to prevent recurrence," and expressed, "The CEO should show sincerity by participating in negotiations, abolish secrecy regarding the COVID-19 cluster infections, and consult with the labor union on countermeasures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.