[Alpha Biz= Ellie Kim] A labor dispute over the planned headquarters relocation of HMM to Busan is set to reach a critical turning point on April 30, with the risk of a strike rising if mediation fails.

According to industry sources, the National Labor Relations Commission will hold a second round of mediation talks on the same day. The first round ended without agreement, making this session effectively the last chance for compromise before an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.

If mediation collapses, the union will secure the legal right to strike, likely proceeding to a member vote on industrial action. A full-scale strike could disrupt HMM’s operations and logistics at a time of heightened volatility in global shipping markets.

HMM plans to hold an extraordinary general meeting on May 8 to approve amendments to its articles of incorporation, enabling the relocation of its headquarters from Seoul to Busan. The proposal requires a two-thirds majority of attending shareholders.

However, approval is widely expected, as major shareholders—Korea Development Bank (35.42%) and Korea Ocean Business Corporation (35.08%)—collectively hold about 70% of shares.

The land-based labor union has strongly opposed the move, arguing it could lead to workforce relocation and restructuring. With positions still far apart, the union has also filed a complaint against CEO Choi Won-hyuk with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, alleging unfair labor practices.

 

 

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