Hanwha Ocean has labeled the high-altitude protest by the Geoje Tongyeong Goseong Shipbuilding Subcontractor Union as an 'illegal occupation' and stated it will respond according to the law and principles. However, the company maintained its previous position that it would engage in negotiations immediately if the subcontractor union withdraws its demand for joint negotiations with the Wellive Union and opts for individual talks.
In a statement on October 1, Hanwha Ocean expressed 'serious regret' over the subcontractor union's decision to initiate an illegal occupation protest, stating, 'We will respond to negotiations and the occupation protest in accordance with the procedures and principles set by law.'
On September 30, six members of the union, including Kang In-seok, the head of the Geoje Tongyeong Goseong Shipbuilding Subcontractor Union, began their protest by climbing onto the roofs of two cranes at the pre-coating factory and the system assembly area at the Hanwha Ocean facility in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, around 12:30 p.m.
The union stated, 'If the Ministry of Employment and Labor cannot enforce negotiations with the primary contractor, subcontracted workers will have no choice but to fight for their rights to negotiate with the primary contractor.' They expressed dismay at the reality that workers must risk their lives again for basic rights.
The key issue between labor and management is whether to conduct joint negotiations with the Wellive Union. The Wellive Union consists of workers from subcontractors responsible for food service and facility management at Hanwha Ocean, and the Central Labor Relations Commission has determined that Hanwha Ocean qualifies as the 'employer' of the Wellive Union.
While the Labor Commission recognized Hanwha Ocean's employer status regarding the Wellive Union, the company has filed for a stay of execution and an administrative lawsuit, arguing that a court's judgment is necessary to clarify the scope of this recognition.
Hanwha Ocean stated that it would respect any court ruling that acknowledges its obligation to negotiate. The company noted, 'If the subcontractor union changes its stance and decides to negotiate with us individually, we will respond immediately. However, the subcontractor union insists that it cannot negotiate without the Wellive Union, which has stalled progress in negotiations.'
Hanwha Ocean has also warned of a strong response to the ongoing high-altitude protest. The company claims that the subcontractor union's occupation of cranes, while demanding performance bonuses for its members and those of the Wellive Union, exceeds the bounds of legitimate protest.
Hanwha Ocean asserted, 'Occupying cranes, which are essential production facilities, cannot be recognized as a legitimate form of protest. Continuing this high-altitude protest in a shipyard where large structures and heavy machinery are constantly in operation poses a threat not only to the participants but also to the safety of other workers and could significantly disrupt normal operations.'
The company emphasized its commitment to improving the working conditions of subcontractor employees and fostering mutual growth, but it will respond strictly to illegal actions and threats to safety, urging protest participants to cease their dangerous actions and return safely to the workplace.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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