Civil Society Groups: "POSCO, Climate, Labor, and Human Rights Villain... Threatening Citizens' Lives and Safety"

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Civic groups criticized POSCO, saying it threatens the lives and safety of citizens both domestically and abroad.

On the 10th, organizations including People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, Climate Crisis Emergency Action, International Solidarity for Democracy, and the Metal Workers' Union held a rally condemning POSCO at the Catholic Center in Myeong-dong, Seoul, demanding the eradication of industrial accidents, the suspension of coal power projects, and the cessation of business with the Myanmar military junta.

In their declaration, they stated, "Once the Samcheok coal power plant is completed, it is expected to emit 390 million tons of greenhouse gases over the next 30 years," adding, "POSCO is the company that emits the most greenhouse gases and must be the first to change in response to the climate crisis."

They continued, "Under Chairman Choi Jeong-woo’s emergency management, subcontracted workers have been reduced by 15% over three years, resulting in two-person teams working on site and even standard work procedures not being followed," pointing out, "Many workers’ lives are threatened due to POSCO’s industrial accidents."

They also raised suspicions that POSCO’s subsidiary in Myanmar, POSCO Coated & Color Steel, is providing profits to the military through a joint venture with Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL), a military conglomerate, and argued, "Business operations should be adjusted or liquidated to prevent profits from going to the military."

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