Four companies targeted, including prime contractor and three subcontractors; more than 20 labor inspectors deployed

Inspections in June found evidence of interference in union activities

Ministry investigating possible violations of the Trade Union Act; vows strict action if breaches confirmed

The Ministry of Employment and Labor [Photo by Kim Yong-hun]
The Ministry of Employment and Labor [Photo by Kim Yong-hun]

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched a criminal investigation into an automobile manufacturer in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, suspected of unfair labor practices including coercing workers to withdraw from their union. The move follows a routine labor inspection in June that uncovered evidence of interference in union activities.

The ministry's Seosan branch said more than 20 labor inspectors began search and seizure operations Monday morning at Company A, a prime contractor in the automotive manufacturing sector in Seosan, and three of its subcontractors.

The raids stem from findings during the June inspection, which identified suspected unfair labor practices including interference in union activities and coercion of workers to leave their union.

Based on those findings, the ministry determined it needed to secure additional evidence to establish whether the companies violated the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act.

The inclusion of three subcontractors alongside the prime contractor is expected to make a central focus of the investigation whether unlawful interference in union activities occurred within the contractor-subcontractor relationship.

Under current labor law, employers are prohibited from dominating or interfering in the organization or operation of a union. Penalizing workers for joining or participating in union activities is also banned.

The ministry said it plans to swiftly investigate the unfair labor practice allegations using materials seized in the raids and to thoroughly determine the responsibility of those involved.

Seosan Branch Director Kim Kyeong-min said unfair labor practices that undermine fundamental labor rights and the order of labor-management relations "are serious criminal acts that must be eradicated." Kim added that the ministry plans to closely analyze the evidence gathered in the raids, thoroughly establish the facts, and "take strict action if any legal violations are confirmed."


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