Tension is soaring across Korean shipyards as unionised workers push for higher wages and better benefits. These protests come amid a surge in shipbuilding activity.
In recent years, Korean shipyards have struggled with labour shortages, prompting unions to take a firmer stand against management. Last Thursday, 27 June, tempers flared at Hanwha Ocean’s shipyard on Geoje Island, South Gyeongsang Province. The union members clashed with managers while attempting to block a car believed to be carrying Kim Dong-kwan, vice chairman, Hanwha Group.
According to the Hanwha Ocean Union, the skirmish left several union leaders injured, and two hospitalised. Accusing Hanwha of adopting a “gangster-style management philosophy,” union representatives cited grievances over unmet promises regarding restricted stock units (RSUs), which were linked to the company’s profitability in 2023.
Hanwha, however, denied that the car was carrying Dong-kwan and assured workers that their concerns had been conveyed to management.
Meanwhile, at Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), negotiations with the union have hit roadblocks, with workers advocating for an extended retirement age and protesting the implementation of facial- recognition systems for subcontracted workers.
Despite optimism surrounding the shipbuilding boom, uncertainties loom over wage increases and benefits as companies navigate varied profitability levels.
The unfolding labour disputes are poised to shape the course of Korea’s shipbuilding sector in the months ahead.
Recently, the employees at Samsung, the electronics giant, stayed away from work for a day in South Korea. This strike was planned and announced on 29 May, 2024. Most of the participants in the Samsung strike were employees belonging to the chip division. The workers were disappointed that despite several rounds of discussions and negotiations, there was no concrete outcome.