Report says Kumho Workers on ‘Partial’ Strike

The Korea Herald has reported that union workers at Kumho Tire Co. plants in South Korea have been “on a partial strike” since last week. The union workers are seeking a 9 per cent wage increase among the 52 “terms” they are demanding from the tyremaker, said the report. The partial strike is apparently part of broader job action at a number of major South Korean manufacturers, including Hyundai Motor, Ssangyong Motor, a number of oil and construction companies, and other major employers.

A majority of 3,727 unionised workers at the company voted are reported to have voted in favour of a strike to push through their demands. Kumho Tire said that the partial strike cost the firm 55,362 tyres in lost production. The loss is expected to further increase as the labour union plans to hold another limited strike, before possibly adopting a full-scale walkout at the end of June.