Purmil Considering 30% Workforce Reduction... Labor and Management Reach Agreement in 4th Negotiation

'Layoff Scale' Controversy... Only Management Decision Remains

Union members of Purmil, opposing the business closure and layoff notice, held a rally on the 26th in front of the headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, urging the immediate withdrawal of the unilateral business closure and layoff notice and calling for the resumption of the sale process. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] It is drawing attention whether dairy company Purmil will maintain its business with a 30% workforce reduction. Discussions between Purmil’s labor union and the working-level team have already taken place, and only the management’s decision remains.

According to Purmil’s labor union on the 8th, after negotiations with three Purmil managers at the Jeonju factory that day, they tentatively agreed on a 30% personnel cut.

At the third negotiation held on the 4th, Purmil’s labor union proposed to the management the promotion of company sale on the condition of a 30% restructuring, and the working-level team decided to reconfirm the union’s opinion and report it to the management. CEO Shin Dong-hwan did not attend that day.

The management is expected to announce an official position later, considering financial measures and compensation plans.

The union stated around 1 p.m. on the same day right after the negotiation, "We had a sudden negotiation and agreed on a '30% workforce reduction.' The company may be sold or continue to operate independently."

However, the company’s working-level team involved in the negotiation denied this as untrue, and they corrected the previous announcement, saying there was a misunderstanding between the parties.

On the 17th of last month, Purmil’s management informed employees that the business would be terminated as of the 30th of this month and notified them of layoffs, causing conflicts with the staff.

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