The Ulsan branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and trade unions from HHI subcontractors announced that it would stage an overseas strike by visiting Switzerland to eliminate the largest shareholder of HHI during an ethics screening process for the FIFA chairman candidate. (image: Korea Football Association)
ULSAN, Sept. 23 (Korea Bizwire) – Unionists from subcontractors of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) will stage a campaign against HHI chairman Chung Mong-joon’s bid for election as FIFA chairman in Switzerland, where the headquarters of the International Labor Organization (ILO) are located.
The Ulsan branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and trade unions from HHI subcontractors announced that it would stage an overseas strike by visiting Switzerland to eliminate the largest shareholder of HHI during an ethics screening process for the FIFA chairman candidate.
“Chung is ignoring the unethical and unfair labor situation at HHI, but wants to be the head of FIFA, and is calling for its reform. We will disclose that he is not qualified for the job by sending troops for an overseas strike in Switzerland,” said the unionists.
The protest group will consist of five unionists, and will visit the ILO headquarters, MSC and FIFA headquarters.
They argued that HHI has not been respecting the basic labor rights of workers from subcontractors since the establishment of their trade union in 2003, and has repressed the labor union by forcefully closing subcontractors and blocking employment through a blacklist.
“Chung, who is the beneficiary of astronomical dividends from HHI, which makes profits by exploiting its subcontractors and its workers, should admit to his wrongdoings,” they added.
By John Choi (johnchoi@koreabizwire.com)
