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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Gwangju, October 13 — The Kumho Tire chapter of the Korean Metal Workers’ Union (KMWU) announced on Sunday that its members have overwhelmingly voted in favor of strike action, marking a major escalation in the ongoing labor dispute with management.
According to the union’s Gwangju–Jeonnam branch, 3,261 of 3,493 members (93.36%) participated in the strike ballot held from October 12 to 13. Among them, 3,054 voted in favor, translating to a 93.65% approval rate.
“This is the highest voter turnout and approval rate in our history,” the union said in a statement. “We have secured a legally protected right to strike.”
Breakdown of 2025 Wage and Collective Bargaining Talks
The union declared the collapse of 2025 collective bargaining talks on September 30, citing management’s “insincere negotiation stance.” On October 10, it formally requested arbitration suspension from the Regional Labor Relations Commission, completing the procedural steps required before a legal strike.
Union representatives argue that Kumho Tire has ignored legitimate wage increase demands despite achieving record profits. The company reported KRW 4.53 trillion in revenue and KRW 588.6 billion in operating profit (13% margin) in 2023 and is projected to earn KRW 4.67 trillion in revenue and KRW 470 billion in operating profit this year — even after a fire incident at its Gwangju plant.
“When factoring in insurance compensation and external factors, the company clearly has the capacity to meet our demands,” the union claimed.
Management Under Pressure as Strike Looms
The KMWU warned that it would consider further industrial action if management continues to refuse sincere negotiations.
“Collective bargaining should be a process of mutual respect and reasonable compromise,” the union said. “Kumho Tire’s leadership must present a clear and responsible proposal that reflects workers’ legitimate demands.”
The union’s Strike Countermeasures Committee will convene on October 14 to decide whether to move forward with a full-scale walkout.
“With an overwhelming mandate from our members, we are prepared to respond strongly unless the company changes its attitude at the bargaining table,” the union added.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
