Workers walk out at Kumho over job losses

Seoul, South Korea -- Kumho Tire Co. Ltd. union workers in South Korea went on strike July 8 to protest of management plans to lay off 431 workers.

The company said it needs the cuts to “overcome difficulties in the market” and estimates daily losses at Euro3.2 million.

The union said Kumho offered on July 9 to delay the layoffs if workers agree to boost output by 15 percent at the company's plant in Gwangju and by 10 percent at a factory in Goksung, and allow the installation of automated production facilities.

The union said it won't back down.

The company has faced partial strikes since July 2, over wages but also as part of a broader protest by South Korean labour against the government over the resumption of imports of American beef.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)