ID :
68127
Sun, 06/28/2009 - 21:04
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/68127
The shortlink copeid
Ssangyong Motor union workers vow to save jobs, company
SEOUL, June 28 (Yonhap) -- Unionist at Ssangyong Motor Co. said Sunday they will
continue on with their fight to protect the jobs of fellow workers, after violent
clashes broke out with management that led to numerous injuries.
In a news conference held at Ssanyong's sole plant in Pyeongtaek, 70km south of
Seoul, the union's leaders vowed to work with civic groups and other labor
organizations to maintain their strike and try to save the company from going
bankrupt.
There are currently around 800 union workers and civic activists occupying the
plant. The union claimed a move by the company to withdraw 3,000 non-union
workers and executives from the facility late Saturday night was part of an
"overall ploy" to take definitive steps to close down the carmaker.
The management had maintained a tense 32-hour standoff with the union inside the
plant during which both sides tried to push the other out. Ssangyong managers
argued that they did not want any violence, but warned that unless the union
accepted a proposal issued on Friday, Ssangyong would have no choice to close it
doors.
Several clashes have erupted over the past few days with one involving about 900
people, some of whom used clubs and fire bombs. About 80 people were hurt during
the scuffle and taken to local hospitals for treatment.
"The union plans to take criminal actions against senior managers and outsiders
that used brute force to try to terrorize workers," a union statement said,
adding a request for an investigation has been filed with the Pyeongtaek police.
The police, meanwhile, said 600 officers were dispatched to the plant at one
point on Saturday, with 1,500 more being used to guard the perimeter of the
facility and to prevent non-authorized personnel from entering.
Law enforcement authorities have so far arrested 23 union workers and civic
activists on charges of illegal trespassing, failing to heed warnings to leave
the premises and obstructing justice.
Workers at Ssangyong, the country's smallest carmaker, have been staging a sit in
at the plant since May 22.
After being abandoned by its parent, China's Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.,
Ssangyong won bankruptcy protection from a South Korean court in February and
announced that it would cut 36 percent of its workforce to avoid liquidation.
The automaker suffered production losses totaling roughly 3,793 vehicles, worth
about 82 billion won (US$64 million), in sporadic strikes between April 24 and
the end of May.
Losses could rise to some 200 billion won if work stoppages continue throughout
this month, according to Ssangyong.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
continue on with their fight to protect the jobs of fellow workers, after violent
clashes broke out with management that led to numerous injuries.
In a news conference held at Ssanyong's sole plant in Pyeongtaek, 70km south of
Seoul, the union's leaders vowed to work with civic groups and other labor
organizations to maintain their strike and try to save the company from going
bankrupt.
There are currently around 800 union workers and civic activists occupying the
plant. The union claimed a move by the company to withdraw 3,000 non-union
workers and executives from the facility late Saturday night was part of an
"overall ploy" to take definitive steps to close down the carmaker.
The management had maintained a tense 32-hour standoff with the union inside the
plant during which both sides tried to push the other out. Ssangyong managers
argued that they did not want any violence, but warned that unless the union
accepted a proposal issued on Friday, Ssangyong would have no choice to close it
doors.
Several clashes have erupted over the past few days with one involving about 900
people, some of whom used clubs and fire bombs. About 80 people were hurt during
the scuffle and taken to local hospitals for treatment.
"The union plans to take criminal actions against senior managers and outsiders
that used brute force to try to terrorize workers," a union statement said,
adding a request for an investigation has been filed with the Pyeongtaek police.
The police, meanwhile, said 600 officers were dispatched to the plant at one
point on Saturday, with 1,500 more being used to guard the perimeter of the
facility and to prevent non-authorized personnel from entering.
Law enforcement authorities have so far arrested 23 union workers and civic
activists on charges of illegal trespassing, failing to heed warnings to leave
the premises and obstructing justice.
Workers at Ssangyong, the country's smallest carmaker, have been staging a sit in
at the plant since May 22.
After being abandoned by its parent, China's Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.,
Ssangyong won bankruptcy protection from a South Korean court in February and
announced that it would cut 36 percent of its workforce to avoid liquidation.
The automaker suffered production losses totaling roughly 3,793 vehicles, worth
about 82 billion won (US$64 million), in sporadic strikes between April 24 and
the end of May.
Losses could rise to some 200 billion won if work stoppages continue throughout
this month, according to Ssangyong.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
