Metalworkers to start partial strike for collective bargaining power - Yonhap News Agency

They will carry out two-to-six hour work stoppages for three days, said the Korean Metal Workers' Union (KMWU) that encompasses the country's major automobile and metal unions.

The union threatened to hold a full-scale indefinite strike unless there is progress in negotiations with their employers by Friday.
However, unionists at two major automakers -- Hyundai Motor Co. and SsangYong Motor Co. -- said they will not take part, noting they have already been recognized as a collective bargaining body. The two unions have a combined membership of about 50,000.

Unionists from five South Korean automakers -- Hyundai Motor, its affiliate Kia Motors, GM Daewoo, Ssangyong and Renault Samsung Motors -- account for about 60 percent of the 143,000-member KMWU.

Kia, GM Daewoo and Renault Samsung have turned down the KMWU's demand, saying they cannot accept double bargaining bodies.

Around 50,000 workers are estimated to join the strike, the Labor Ministry said.

By Kim Young-gyo
2007/07/18 11:46 KST

Link to original Yonhap News Agency article

Thank you,
John Martyn