HMM, Takes a Firm Stand on 'Mass Resignation'... Strike Vote Underway

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] As the possibility of the first strike since HMM's founding in 1976 increases, the maritime union has begun a member vote on labor disputes. In particular, if the strike vote passes, they are prepared to submit collective resignations and even move to competing companies.

According to the shipping industry on the 23rd, the HMM maritime union is conducting a labor dispute vote among seafarer members until 12 PM today. The results will be announced as early as this afternoon. The maritime union held final negotiations with management at the second mediation meeting of the Central Labor Relations Commission on the 20th, but as they failed to narrow their differences, the commission decided to suspend mediation.

Even if the maritime union approves the strike, due to restrictions on labor actions under the Seafarers Act, striking will not be easy. If demands are not met, they are considering measures beyond stopping overtime and using paid leave, including leaving the company. Under current law, ships that are underway or docked at foreign ports cannot strike, and only ships anchored domestically can engage in strikes or other labor actions.

Earlier, the land union also proceeded to the third mediation meeting of the Central Labor Relations Commission but received a final suspension of mediation decision from the commission. It is reported that they will conduct a member vote on strike approval as early as today.

Regarding this wage negotiation, management proposed to the land union a negotiation plan including an 8% wage increase, a 300% encouragement bonus, a 200% incentive bonus after year-end settlement, transportation allowance of 50,000 to 100,000 KRW, and welfare points worth 500,000 KRW. However, both unions are demanding a 'wage normalization' after eight years of wage freeze, requesting a 25% wage increase and a 1200% performance bonus.

If the strike vote passes for both the land and maritime unions, they plan to form a joint struggle committee (tentative name) to coordinate lawful struggles and respond together.

Meanwhile, as the possibility of an HMM strike rises, concerns about logistics chaos among domestic small and medium export companies are growing. With container ship freight rates rising for 15 consecutive weeks, if HMM also goes on strike, it will inevitably become more difficult to find ships to carry logistics. Under current law, ships underway or docked at foreign ports cannot strike, but ships anchored domestically can.

In response, HMM management said, "Considering that this situation could lead to a logistics crisis if mishandled, we ask the union to approach negotiations with a more open attitude."

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