Gyeongnam Progressive Civic Groups: "A Workplace Without Discrimination, Starting with Daewoo Shipbuilding"

Labor and civic groups in the Gyeongnam region and progressive parties have come out in support of the struggle of Daewoo Shipbuilding subcontracted workers. / Photo by Se-ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Labor and civic groups and progressive parties in the Gyeongnam region have declared their support for the struggle of Daewoo Shipbuilding subcontracted workers.

On the 20th, they held a press conference in front of the main gate of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office, stating, "Subcontracted shipbuilding workers are the main contributors to the shipbuilding industry’s success, but they are often the first to be laid off," and "A 30% wage increase and the conclusion of a collective agreement are natural demands to guarantee the basic rights of workers."

They added, "The wages of subcontracted shipbuilding workers have not risen above the minimum wage level," and "Because of this, skilled technicians are leaking out to external companies, and all shipyards in the region are struggling with labor shortages."

The group emphasized, "We must resolve the inequality between primary and subcontracted shipyard workers, and guarantee the right to survival by stabilizing safe workplaces and employment for subcontracted shipbuilding workers."

The Metal Workers' Union Geoje·Tongyeong·Goseong Shipbuilding Subcontracted Branch has held a general strike resolution rally since the 2nd and entered a full strike from the 7th.

According to the branch, since January this year, they have negotiated wages and collective agreements with 22 Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering partner companies, but failed to narrow the gap between labor and management positions, leading to an indefinite general strike.

On this day, the group raised their voices, saying, "Let's start a shipyard workplace without discrimination, beginning with Daewoo Shipbuilding," and "We support the struggle of Daewoo Shipbuilding subcontracted workers."

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