Strikes in South Korea's shipbuilding industry, especially at Hanwha Ocean union, have reached their peak. This union, which has been on strike throughout this month and has halted operations at some shipbuilding facilities, stopped all Goliath cranes on September 18.
Details of the Strikes and Their Impact
Hanwha Ocean union held a general strike from 8 AM for eight hours, stopping all four Goliath cranes numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5 at the Jocheon shipyard. The union plans to halt Goliath crane operations for 24 hours, which will result in about 140 crane operators in two morning and evening shifts stopping their work.
Goliath cranes are considered essential equipment in shipbuilding, determining the productivity of a shipyard. These cranes transport ship hull blocks from the assembly workshop to the construction dock and position them accurately. If one of these cranes stops, it may delay the scheduling of block installations, affecting subsequent tasks such as welding and outfitting.
Status of Negotiations and Union Demands
Yesterday, Hanwha Ocean union was unable to reach an agreement during the twenty-third session of its wage and collective bargaining negotiations with management. Management proposed a second offer of a 100,000 won increase in the base wage, a one-time payment of 6.5 million won, and annual welfare benefits worth 1 million won. In the first proposal, management had offered a 95,000 won increase in the base wage and a one-time payment of 5.5 million won.
The union has stated that the wage increase and performance bonus system improvement do not meet their expectations. This year, the union is demanding a 149,600 won increase in the monthly base wage, an expansion of bonuses from 800% to 900%, an increase in the retirement age, and an improvement in the performance bonus payment system.
Meanwhile, Hanwha Ocean union has halted negotiations with management until a leading proposal is presented by management. Management had previously made a third proposal on September 11, which included a 110,000 won increase in the base wage.
