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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Orion Corporation is facing escalating labor tensions after its first-ever partial strike, as the union warned it could launch an indefinite full-scale strike if upcoming wage negotiations break down.
According to a union official from the chemical and food workers’ union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the labor union plans to move to an “indefinite full-day strike” starting June 17 if its original demands are not accepted following renewed negotiations with management.
The union previously staged partial strikes on June 4, 5, and 10, boycotting afternoon shifts after completing morning work. It now plans to escalate to a full strike if no agreement is reached.
The dispute centers on wage system reforms and compensation structures. The union has called for a 7.5% wage increase, arguing that the company’s rapidly growing overseas sales and operating profits have not been fairly reflected in employee compensation.
Management, however, has maintained that the growth is largely driven by overseas subsidiaries rather than domestic operations. It has proposed raising the base salary increase from an initial 2% to 3.5% as a compromise.
The two sides held their ninth round of wage negotiations in Busan on June 10 but failed to reach an agreement, instead agreeing to resume discussions on June 17.
While both sides described the upcoming talks as a continuation with “improved proposals,” the union dismissed this characterization, saying there has been no meaningful change in the company’s position.
The union added that the planned indefinite strike could still be called off if management accepts its original proposal during next week’s negotiations.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
