GS Caltex has launched a new labor union that includes all job categories, including office workers. This development comes amid ongoing dissatisfaction among employees regarding wage negotiations and performance pay criteria, prompting office staff, who have been relatively marginalized in union activities, to raise their voices.
According to industry sources, the 'GS Caltex Unified Labor Union' officially submitted its union establishment report through Government24 on the afternoon of the 23rd. The founding general meeting was held on the 18th, and the union has been preparing for its establishment in consultation with City Labor Law Firm. The unified union has also launched a dedicated website to begin accepting membership applications from that day. The website announced that it has completed the establishment report in accordance with labor union laws and that all job categories, including office and technical staff, are eligible for membership.
The unified union stated in a notice, "We will provide an opportunity for office workers, who have lacked a channel to voice their concerns, to join and participate in union activities," adding that it will address key issues such as evaluation and compensation, organizational culture, work environment, and employee benefits. It explained that office workers have been lacking a formal and stable communication channel.
The emergence of the new union comes as GS Caltex and its existing labor union have been engaged in prolonged negotiations over wages and performance compensation this year. The existing GS Caltex union and the company have held several practical negotiations regarding this year's wage increase rate, promotion system, expansion of ordinary wages, and criteria for one-time bonuses and performance pay, but have struggled to find common ground. The results of the seventh round of practical negotiations on wage negotiations have been posted on the existing union's website until recently.
The unified union has also prioritized performance distribution as a core issue. It stated, "We will demand fair performance distribution based on company performance, employee contributions, industry standards, and past payment criteria."
Additionally, the union has identified issues such as equity in employee benefits across job categories, vacation compensation, overtime pay, performance bonuses, housing support, and medical expenses as areas for improvement.
However, the unified union aims to cooperate rather than confront the existing union, which is primarily focused on technical staff. It has indicated that it respects the role and history of the existing labor union and allows for dual membership. The notice stated, "We do not view the existing labor union solely as a competitor, and when multiple voices come together, the changes that members can achieve will be greater."
The unified union plans to recruit members and, once it reaches a certain size, will formally request negotiations with the company.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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