Gwangju Tourism Organization Union Demands End to Personnel Abuse and Staff Oppression

Press Conference Held at City Council’s Citizen Communication Center on the 16th
Reduction of Positions and Job Grade Integration Leads to Low Morale and Internal Conflict
"Demonstrate Leadership to Realize the 'Fun City' Vision"

The two major labor unions of Gwangju Tourism Organization are holding a press conference criticizing CEO Jin-Kang Kim's unilateral personnel abuses and coercive management style, urging for transparent and fair personnel practices, the halt of rank integration, and the reduction of organizational structure. Photo by Sungsoo Kang

The two major labor unions of the Gwangju Tourism Organization have launched a strong response, criticizing CEO Kim Jinkang for his unilateral personnel decisions and coercive management style.

The Gwangju Tourism Organization Union and the The Minjoo Union held a press conference at 11 a.m. on the 16th at the Gwangju City Council’s Citizen Communication Center, stating, "Since Kim Jinkang took office as CEO, he has shifted the blame for poor performance in tourism projects onto employees and has been oppressing both the union and staff."

They continued, "After the administrative audit by the city council last November, he pushed ahead with the reduction of higher-level positions and unilateral integration of job grades at the beginning of this year without prior consultation, which has demoralized the organization and intensified internal conflicts."

The union particularly pointed out, "Due to Kim’s management style, which focuses on favoring close associates, most employees feel alienated," adding, "He has spent more than 140 million KRW on labor-related consulting fees, yet fails to communicate with the staff."

In their statement, they said, "Kim should not focus solely on controlling the organization and maintaining authority, but rather pay attention to the creative and sustainable development of the tourism industry," and emphasized, "He must demonstrate professional leadership to realize Gwangju’s vision as a 'Fun City.'"

They also stressed, "The sudden announcement on the 6th regarding the reduction of organizational structure and integration of job grades is an act of violence comparable to the ‘12.3 Martial Law’ and can never be tolerated in Gwangju, a city of democracy, human rights, and peace."

The union demanded: ▲an end to oppressive personnel decisions ▲transparent and fair personnel management ▲an end to job grade integration and organizational downsizing ▲an end to unplanned outsourcing projects ▲hiring of public employees ▲and the discovery of sustainable tourism projects.

Meanwhile, the union added, "The Gwangju Tourism Organization must restore trust within the organization through democratic and transparent management and become the central pillar of Gwangju’s tourism industry development," and warned, "If there is no change in management’s attitude, we will not hesitate to take further action."

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