Causing Concern about Production Losses
While GM Korea's labor union continues its collective action against overtime work, the management is asking for the union’s cooperation to wrap up the wage and collective bargaining talks as early as possible.
"We are disappointed by the union's decision to continue its collective action as it will cause additional production losses following those caused by the spread of the new coronavirus," GM Korea said in a statement on Oct. 26, "We urge the labor union to cooperate based on mutual understanding so that the negotiations can be concluded as early as possible."
GM Korea's labor and management have been holding talks on wages and collective bargaining for 2020 since July 22. Their negotiations were held 19 times until Oct. 22. In the 18th round of negotiations on Oct. 21, the management proposed a package deal, which included special incentives and bonuses to help unionists overcome tough situations ignited by the COVID-19 crisis and additional payments by plants.
The labor union, however, held a central dispute committee meeting on Oct. 22, and has been continuing its collective action over overtime work until the next committee meeting since Oct. 23. The union is reportedly demanding that the management secure work for new models to ensure unionists’ job security.
The next round of negotiations will take place on Oct. 27.