Daiso Management and Union to Hold First Negotiation on Employment Rules at the End of This Month

Detailed Negotiations on Meeting Date Underway After First Meeting
Key Issues Include Worker Treatment Improvement Plans
Mutual Differences Expected to Cause Difficulties

The lifestyle goods distribution company Daiso and the labor union, which was first formed earlier this year mainly by logistics center employees, are expected to begin their first negotiations on employment rules and other matters around the end of this month. It has been confirmed that after their initial meeting on the 4th, both sides have tentatively agreed on this schedule and are currently fine-tuning the details.

Asung Daiso Myeongdong Station Branch

According to a compilation of reports by Asia Economy on the 13th, Asung Daiso management and the Daiso branch of the National Logistics Center Division of the Public Transport Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions will start their first negotiations on revising employment rules around the end of this month. Since it is the first negotiation, it is expected to conclude with an introductory meeting between the selected negotiators and confirmation of the negotiation agenda.

The core agenda items include revising employment rules, preventing wage arrears, ensuring compliance with working hours, and improving worker treatment. The union’s basic stance on these issues is to pursue mutual benefits through dialogue with management rather than confrontation. Internally, they are preparing for negotiations with an emphasis on resolving extreme conflicts and reaching compromises.

However, since there are differences in positions regarding wage arrears and working hours, which relate to the treatment of union members, considerable difficulties are anticipated during the negotiations. Lee Jae-cheol, head of the Daiso branch, said, "Regarding the improvement of union members’ treatment, we plan to make all demands comprehensively," adding, "Since it is the negotiation stage, we will bring up everything we can."

Previously, the union urged dialogue for revising employment rules, arguing that some provisions serve as grounds for the company’s unilateral decisions and controls that block acts opposing management and restrict workers’ autonomous rights. The main provisions in question include disciplining those who "disrupt workplace order through assemblies, speeches, broadcasts, propaganda, or distribution/posting of documents without company permission," and requiring the employment of those who are "moderate in ideology and have a clear status."

The union also claimed that union members at logistics hubs such as Yongin Namsa and Busan are exposed to industrial accidents due to excessive workloads and that numerous wage arrears have occurred. Furthermore, they emphasized that management does not recognize the union formed earlier this year and imposes disadvantages such as contract termination due to union activities. On the 24th of last month, they held a press conference at the National Assembly with Justice Party lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong, criticizing, "Management refuses to recognize the union, looking at it with contempt and distrust while finding various excuses."

Management expressed regret over these union claims and actively rebutted them. On the 27th of last month, Daiso stated in a press release, "Our company strives to ensure that workers can work in a safe environment." Regarding the problematic employment rules, they argued, "They are operated legally according to relevant laws, and we have lawfully reported their establishment and amendments to the Ministry of Employment and Labor."

Management’s position is to engage sincerely in future negotiations, separate from these external disputes. A Daiso official said, "Since we have just completed the introductory meeting, it is difficult to disclose specific positions," but added, "We will sincerely participate in negotiations according to laws and principles and strive to establish a democratic labor-management relationship."

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