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

POSCO: "No truth to 'partner workforce reduction'... Samcheok Thermal Power Plant is eco-friendly"

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Civic groups have raised criticism against POSCO, claiming that 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.

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 Steel Sheet, a POSCO affiliate operating in Myanmar, 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."

In response, POSCO issued a statement saying, "As an independent management corporation, we do not interfere with the personnel rights of our partners and cannot artificially adjust the number of workers," and clarified, "Claims that partner company personnel were artificially reduced are groundless."

Regarding the Samcheok coal-fired power plant, POSCO stated, "We are constructing it using all available eco-friendly technologies," and added, "Once the eco-friendly power plant is operational, it is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 12% compared to existing thermal power facilities."

On the joint venture with MEHL, POSCO explained, "Since 2017, no dividends have been paid, and none will be paid until human rights issues are resolved," further stating, "We are closely monitoring the situation and will consider reviewing the business relationship if necessary."

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