 |
Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Union membership at Kakao Games has surpassed a majority of its workforce, according to the Kakao branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).
The Kakao branch of the KCTU’s Chemical, Fiber, Food and Service Workers’ Union said on Sunday that more than half of Kakao Games’ employees have now joined the labor union. This marks the third Kakao affiliate to reach majority unionization, following Kakao Mobility and Kakao headquarters.
The union said that growing job insecurity—driven by persistent market speculation over potential divestments of Kakao Games and its major subsidiaries, as well as possible restructuring—was a decisive factor behind the rapid increase in membership.
According to the Kakao union, news of unilateral spin-offs and asset sales aimed at short-term financial restructuring, rather than a long-term growth strategy, prompted employees to join the union in large numbers in order to protect their livelihoods.
With union membership now exceeding a majority, the Kakao branch said it will proceed with formal steps to confirm its status as the official employee representative body at Kakao Games.
Seo Seung-wook, head of the Kakao branch, said that achieving majority unionization at Kakao Games—following Kakao headquarters—reflects employees’ determination to address company-wide management challenges and job insecurity through collective representation.
He added that management should immediately halt closed-door discussions regarding potential asset sales and recognize the labor union as a genuine partner in management, calling for transparent communication going forward.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
