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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Labor tensions are intensifying at LG Chem’s Cheongju plant after the company placed unassigned employees on temporary leave following the sale of certain business units.
According to industry sources on May 11, the Cheongju facility will implement a temporary shutdown through the end of this year for approximately 80 employees who have not been reassigned after belonging to divested business divisions, including those producing polarizing film materials and water treatment filters.
The company stated that it will provide 70% of average wages during the leave period, allow secondary employment with company approval, and reinstate employees as soon as suitable positions become available.
LG Chem explained that the measure is an unavoidable step aimed at strengthening business competitiveness from a mid- to long-term perspective and securing sustainable and stable operations. The company emphasized that it is not considering involuntary workforce reductions.
However, the union has strongly opposed the move, describing it as effectively the starting point of restructuring and raising concerns over job security. The LG Chem and LG Energy Solution Cheongju branch of the Korean Chemical, Textile, Food and Allied Workers’ Union held a press conference in front of the Cheongju office of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, condemning the decision.
The union argued that the unilateral temporary shutdown deprives workers of their livelihood and criticized the company for notifying affected employees only five days before implementation, on May 6.
“The company is shifting the burden of management failures onto workers without giving them even minimal time to respond to employment concerns,” the union said, calling for the immediate suspension of the measure, which it warned could be misused as a tool for restructuring.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
