[KBS Gwangju]
Program Title: [Start of Mudeung’s Morning]
Broadcast Time: 08:30–09:00 on KBS Gwangju 1R FM 90.5 MHz
Host: Jung Gil-hoon
Guest: Chae Eun-ji, Vice Chairperson of Gwangju Metropolitan Council
Writer: Jung Yoo-ra
Technical Director: Shin Yong-hwan
YouTube Video Link: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKswS3PCOHA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKswS3PCOHA)
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Jung Gil-hoon (hereafter referred to as Jung Gil-hoon): The Gwangju Labor-Management-Civic-Government Council’s Mediation and Arbitration Committee recently proposed a mediation plan to address labor-management conflicts at Gwangju Global Motors (GGM). The plan includes adhering to the Labor-Management Win-Win Development Agreement until a cumulative production of 350,000 units is achieved. While the company agreed to this, the union expressed its inability to accept it yesterday. We’re connecting with Councilor Chae Eun-ji, a member of the Mediation and Arbitration Committee, for more details. Councilor, hello.
Chae Eun-ji (hereafter referred to as Chae Eun-ji): Hello, this is Eun-ji Chae.
Jung Gil-hoon: First, let’s go over the main points of the mediation plan released by the committee. What were the common recommendations for both labor and management?
Chae Eun-ji: The mediation plan is drafted based on the principles of coexistence, harmony, and future orientation, respecting the spirit of the GGM foundation, upheld by the Labor-Management Win-Win Development Agreement and the three labor rights guaranteed by the constitution. Both GGM’s management and the labor union were advised to adhere to the Win-Win Development Agreement spirit and consider consulting services to improve the labor-management relationship.
Jung Gil-hoon: What recommendations were specifically directed at GGM’s management and the city of Gwangju?
Chae Eun-ji: We recommended the GGM management provide an office for union and coexistence council activities, recognize the union by allowing for collective bargaining, expand the scope of exempt work hours, and present a vision for GGM’s future through increased supply and new model introductions. They were also advised to expand the joint employee welfare fund. For the city of Gwangju, we suggested actively implementing joint welfare programs and reflecting price and housing cost increases in realistic housing support. Lastly, we recommended establishing a permanent body under the council to monitor ongoing GGM conflict issues.
Jung Gil-hoon: What were the recommendations for the union?
Chae Eun-ji: The union was advised to refrain from striking until achieving the production target of 350,000 units to ensure job stability, and actively cooperate in implementing a two-shift system to achieve this target early.
Jung Gil-hoon: The company and the city immediately agreed to accept the mediation plan, correct?
Chae Eun-ji: Yes, that’s correct. Though there were some points that didn’t align with the Win-Win Development Agreement spirit, GGM’s management decided to respect the council’s carefully considered recommendations. The city of Gwangju also chose to actively embrace the mediation plan, as it considered diverse opinions reasonably, urging GGM’s management and the union to accept it swiftly for the regional economy’s sake.
Jung Gil-hoon: The union’s stance was crucial, but they announced opposition based on the recommendation to refrain from striking until achieving the production goal. What are your thoughts?
Chae Eun-ji: There were concerns that the union might oppose the plan due to the strike refraining clause. However, the proposed plan incorporates most of the union’s previously stated demands and extends further. Sadly, their decision is regrettable, considering the dialogue opportunity offered through a permanent committee to resolve potential conflicts amicably rather than negating strike rights entirely.
Jung Gil-hoon: The union claimed suspending their strike rights for three years violates labor laws. How do you see this?
Chae Eun-ji: Although understandable, various unions have historically suspended strikes for mutual development. This situation can be resolved through social agreements, especially considering GGM’s founding purpose and responsibilities. Hence, I believe the union can defer striking under the current context.
Jung Gil-hoon: The union has proposed holding a month-long peace period for intensive negotiations. What’s your view on this suggestion?
Chae Eun-ji: The union’s suggestion essentially reverts to the pre-mediation status. Since the mediation plan already covers most demands, rejecting it for further negotiations appears ineffective.
Jung Gil-hoon: Will the council’s Mediation and Arbitration Committee continue its activities, or what’s the next step?
Chae Eun-ji: Unfortunately, the committee’s activities have concluded since its task ended with the mediation proposal. Permanent establishment isn’t feasible, hence recommending a constant body for conflict monitoring. Even though the city agreed, replicating the committee’s efforts under the current conditions would be difficult.
Jung Gil-hoon: With the committee disbanded and the union rejecting the proposal, is it challenging to draft another recommendation?
Chae Eun-ji: Yes, given the thorough deliberation the committee underwent. Despite delays, producing this mediation plan was a focused effort. Thus, no formal schedule or plan exists with the council for further attempts. Nevertheless, I remain committed to exploring solutions responsibly.
Jung Gil-hoon: Can higher council forums reopen discussions despite the committee disbanding?
Chae Eun-ji: While another committee could theoretically form under council auspices, no current plans exist. Ongoing assessments and strategies might be considered later.
Jung Gil-hoon: With global trade conditions worsening, like the U.S. imposing a 25% tariff on imported cars, how should the labor dispute resolve, as exports face pressure?
Chae Eun-ji: It’s important to remember GGM’s unique role, founded as a cooperative job creation project through societal compromise. Acknowledging deficiencies from both the company and city side in adhering to the Agreement reflects positively, but the union should also strive for coexistence amid understanding the current challenges.
Jung Gil-hoon: Thank you for your insights.
Chae Eun-ji: Thank you.