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20 September, 2001The metalworkers' union representing Daewoo workers says that both the government and management have tried to mislead them about the future of the company.
KOREA, REP: Further to the IMF's earlier website news of today (September 21, 2001) regarding the memorandum of understanding (MOU) which was signed today by General Motors to acquire Daewoo Motor, the Korean Metal Workers' Federation has condemned the transaction as it will involve the split-up of Daewoo Motor. Among plants excluded in GM's MOU is Daewoo's largest auto plant in Pupyong, as well as its bus plant in Pusan and all sales offices.
The KMWF stated that the government and Daewoo management have tried to mislead Daewoo workers with regard to this form of separation sale by saying that the Pupyong plant, which is heavily in debt, could be revived within six years' time. However, said the union, "we know that the Pupyong plant will disappear by then, as no plan has been proposed for it." According to the KMWF, there will be mass unemployment if the Pupyong plant is closed down in the near future. Also, the jobs of workers in the plants being taken over by GM will not be assured due to the form of the takeover. GM will only take over plant properties but not be responsible for maintaining employment or collective bargaining.
The KMWF is pressing the government and management to keep the Pupyong plant in operation and to make an appropriate plan for workers who have been or will be laid off. The union declared that "we opposed all forms of a sale which did not consider the workers' demands. The KMWF will look for all possible ways to prevent any disasters caused by the sale."
The KMWF stated that the government and Daewoo management have tried to mislead Daewoo workers with regard to this form of separation sale by saying that the Pupyong plant, which is heavily in debt, could be revived within six years' time. However, said the union, "we know that the Pupyong plant will disappear by then, as no plan has been proposed for it." According to the KMWF, there will be mass unemployment if the Pupyong plant is closed down in the near future. Also, the jobs of workers in the plants being taken over by GM will not be assured due to the form of the takeover. GM will only take over plant properties but not be responsible for maintaining employment or collective bargaining.
The KMWF is pressing the government and management to keep the Pupyong plant in operation and to make an appropriate plan for workers who have been or will be laid off. The union declared that "we opposed all forms of a sale which did not consider the workers' demands. The KMWF will look for all possible ways to prevent any disasters caused by the sale."