"Let's Protect Our Workplace by Deploying Public Authority" ... Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Site Manager Urges Police Deployment Amid Subcontractor Union Strike

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Site Managers Association held a rally urging the deployment of public authority to stop the subcontractor union's illegal strike. / Photo by Se-ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] On the 4th, the union members of the on-site managers at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) urged the exercise of public authority against illegal strikes on the sidewalk in front of the Samgeori intersection at the Gyeongnam Provincial Council.

They claimed, "The irrational and immoral collective actions of the DSME Metal Workers' Union Geoje Tongyeong Goseong Shipbuilding Subcontractors' Branch are becoming increasingly extreme," and added, "Due to the illegal acts of a few reckless individuals, the precious workplaces of about 20,000 people have become like candles flickering in the wind."

They emphasized, "Despite the unprecedented obstruction of production in DSME's history causing the factory to stop, the DSME branch, Gyeongnam branch, and Metal Workers' Union have consistently remained indifferent," and stated, "Illegal acts must be judged by the law, and public authority exists precisely for such times."

They continued, "They incite day laborers who would leave immediately once paid, disguising it as a subcontractor wage increase, and threaten the lives of cooperative union members at their workplaces while demanding no civil or criminal liability," raising their voices.

They criticized, "Even though they threaten the safety and lives of all members to fulfill personal and political demands, the police, the people's shield, neither enforce official duties nor impose any sanctions," calling it "dereliction of duty."

On this day, they expressed, "We hope our voices wishing for the company to return to normal as soon as possible reach the ears of the Gyeongnam Police Agency chief," and demanded ▲ cessation of illegal strikes by the subcontractors' branch and normal negotiations ▲ deployment of police forces to illegal assemblies.

On the 2nd of last month, the DSME Metal Workers' Union Geoje Tongyeong Goseong Shipbuilding Subcontractors' Branch began a strike demanding a 30% wage increase, full-time union officials, and recognition as a negotiating group for strengthening their influence.

According to DSME, during the strike lasting over 30 days, incidents such as occupation of ships under construction, interference with work causing factory shutdowns, and physical altercations with non-union members have occurred.

The Geoje Police Station in Gyeongnam announced on the 4th that they have applied for an arrest warrant for union members of the subcontractors' branch who are conducting an occupation sit-in at the No. 1 dock ship under construction at the Okpo Shipyard, and plan to secure custody on charges including obstruction of business.

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