Kumho Tire Union: "No Employment Measures 26 Days After Fire"

Silent Despite Requests for Meetings with Doublestar and Management

The Kumho Tire branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union issued a press release on June 12, criticizing, "It has been 26 days since the fire occurred at the Gwangju factory, yet Doublestar and Kumho Tire management have not presented any employment-related measures."

Black smoke is billowing from Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory due to a fire that occurred on the morning of the 17th. Photo by Song Bohyun

The union stated, "The livelihoods of approximately 2,500 workers who are at risk of losing their jobs due to the fire are under threat," and urged that "countermeasures must be prepared urgently." The union further claimed, "Since the 10th, we have requested meetings with Doublestar management and demanded funding plans for relocating and establishing new factories. However, management has only been concerned about investors' reactions and has failed to provide any alternatives."

The union also pointed out, "Kumho Tire management has only said they will review any plans once they are submitted," and criticized this as "an irresponsible act that disregards both the local community and workers." In response, Kumho Tire stated, "We are currently preparing recovery measures for fire damage and the relocation of the factory," adding, "Under an independent and responsible management system, the domestic management team is working for the development of the company."

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