Ssangyong Motors workers clash during union strike

PYEONGTAEK, South Korea, June 26 (Yonhap) -- Striking workers at troubled
Ssangyong Motors, currently under bankruptcy protection, clashed with fellow
employees who crossed picket lines to enter the company plant on Friday.
Witnesses reported several injuries with some being sent via ambulance to hospitals.
Some 1,000 unionized workers at the automaker have waged a sit-in at the
company's factory in the port city 70 kilometers south of Seoul to protest a
massive layoff plan.
They have been locked in a dispute with other workers whose jobs have been saved
from the job cut plans.
Police have not yet intervened but were blocking the factory entrance. A
helicopter was hovering over the factory, urging restraint against any illegal,
violent activities inside.
"People charged into the factory using the side door at the parking lot," a
witness said. "They clashed with the workers inside the plant, and some were hurt
in the scuffle,"
Earlier in the day, company management proposed to rehire some of the laid-off
workers once the company turns itself around, saying it was the last offer for a
compromise.
The proposal was immediately rejected by the union.
brk@yna.co.kr
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