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A container vessel operated by HMM. (Photo courtesy of HMM) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] The land-based labor union of HMM held a general assembly and rally on April 2, warning that it would launch a full-scale strike if the company proceeds with plans to relocate its headquarters to Busan.
The event took place in front of Cheong Wa Dae Sarangchae, with 638 out of approximately 700 union members in attendance, according to the union.
The development follows a recent decision by HMM’s board of directors to approve an agenda item to amend the company’s articles of incorporation to enable the relocation of its headquarters.
The union strongly criticized the move, stating that the board meeting was convened abruptly while labor-management negotiations were still ongoing. “This is an act that completely undermines trust between labor and management,” the union said.
The South Korean government is pushing for the relocation of HMM’s headquarters to Busan as part of its national policy agenda, aiming to transform the city into a “maritime capital” in coordination with the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
Jung Sung-chul, head of the HMM union chapter, argued that the relocation lacks any clear business rationale. “Despite having no tangible management benefits, this relocation is being driven by undue government pressure and political interests, ultimately undermining the company’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry,” he said.
He also criticized outside directors, claiming they have “degenerated into rubber stamps for the government, losing their roles in oversight and checks and balances.”
The union declared that if its demands continue to be ignored and the relocation is unilaterally enforced, it will mobilize all available measures, including a general strike.
“While we do not wish to strike, both the government and management are pushing us toward that outcome,” the union said, warning that any resulting fallout—such as customer losses, disruption to shipping alliances, and broader logistics turmoil—would be the responsibility of both the company and the government.
Following the rally, the union held a general meeting in which key agenda items—including future strike plans and authorization for related funding—were approved as originally proposed.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
