Labor disputes in the shipbuilding industry are expected to extend into winter as the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries union joins Hanwha Ocean in high-altitude protests.
According to industry sources, Kim Dong-ha, head of the Hyundai Heavy Industries branch of the Metal Workers' Union, began a high-altitude protest by occupying a crane at the HD Hyundai Daewoo Assembly Plant in Ulsan on October 18. Following similar actions by the Hanwha Ocean subcontractor union on September 30 and the Hanwha Ocean branch of the Metal Workers' Union on October 8, both major players in K-shipbuilding now face the risk of prolonged protests.
In response, the Metal Workers' Union at Hyundai Heavy Industries has announced that all members will participate in partial strikes, working only seven hours a day until October 23. The union is demanding a performance bonus equal to 30% of total operating profit and a significant increase in base salary. This year, HD Hyundai's operating profit is projected to reach between 3.7 trillion and 4.2 trillion won, nearly double that of the previous year.
The HD Hyundai Mipo union, now integrated into HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, is also expressing strong opposition. Members are concerned about potential regressions in wages and welfare systems and are resisting adjustments to labor conditions. Kim Tae-am, head of the HD Hyundai Mipo union, has been on a hunger strike since October 8.
Initially, Kim Dong-ha expressed regret over Kim Tae-am's hunger strike, which began without prior consultation. However, after the first tentative labor-management agreement was rejected on October 2, he shifted to a more confrontational stance by initiating his own high-altitude protest.
The Hyundai Heavy Industries union had previously agreed to a compensation plan that included a 120,000 won increase in base salary, a 11 million won incentive, and a 200% performance bonus, totaling approximately 40 million won per member. However, this agreement was rejected by 52.14% of voters, indicating a potential for prolonged strikes. Those opposing the agreement are reportedly demanding a higher base salary increase of 149,600 won, surpassing Hanwha Ocean's proposed increase of 138,689 won.
Concerns among shipbuilders regarding high-altitude protests and workplace occupations stem from the unprecedented boom in orders, which have reached 200 trillion won. Delays in delivery could undermine company credibility and lead to reduced operating profits due to potential compensation claims.
An industry insider noted, "Cranes are among the most dangerous equipment in shipyards where large structures and heavy machinery are constantly in operation. Occupying them poses significant safety risks not only to the protesters but also to other workers in the shipyard. Accepting union demands could lead to the annualization of high-altitude protests, making it difficult for companies to accept unreasonable demands in order to establish precedents based on 'law and principles.'"
* This article has been translated by AI.
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