Read this article in:
English
1 October, 2024A South Korean manager at Yura’s Leskovac factory in Serbia, physically assaulted three female workers during the first shift on 27 September. The victims, employed in seated preparation roles due to medical conditions developed while working at Yura, were initially subjected to verbal abuse before he kicked their chairs and threw one at them. One worker sustained injuries and another lost consciousness, requiring hospital treatment.
The Yura Leskovac Autonomous Trade Union of Metalworkers has condemned the attack, holding Yura responsible for fostering a culture of violence and disrespect towards workers. To make matters worse, the affected workers were threatened with dismissal after the assault according to the union. A police investigation is ongoing.
The union has raised additional concerns, questioning management's claim that the surveillance cameras were not operational on the day of the attack. It is routine practice for these cameras to monitor workers daily, making this failure particularly suspicious. The union has called on Yura either to explain this discrepancy and provide footage from the first shift on the day of the incident or to remove video surveillance from all Yura factories. It is unacceptable, the union argues, for cameras to be used to monitor workers' mistakes, only for them to be non-functional when determining the criminal liability of managers or other responsible parties.
This latest incident has intensified demands for improved workplace protections and immediate action against the manager. The union has long voiced concerns about the abusive practices at Yura, which have escalated as part of a broader anti-union campaign. Workers have faced pressure to dismantle the union, and reports of verbal and physical violence are increasingly common.
In response to media reports that the manager had been suspended, the union is demanding that Yura officially confirm the suspension and display the disciplinary action at the factory. They have also launched a petition calling for Kang’s work permit to be revoked and for increased inspection oversight at Yura. The union is prepared to take further action if demands continue to be ignored.
This incident occurs in the context of an ongoing struggle by Yura workers in Leskovac to secure fair wages and decent working conditions. Supported by industriAll Europe and IndustriALL Global Union, workers have been protesting the company’s union-busting tactics and punitive wage policies. The union has already initiated strikes and filed a formal complaint with German authorities regarding Yura’s compliance with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act.
Said IndustriALL assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan:
“It is absolutely unacceptable that workers are subjected to violence in the workplace. Management must react immediately to keep workers safe and must engage in dialogue with the union to rectify the bad practices and ensure that this toxic culture comes to an end. IndustriALL Global and Europe will continue to mobilize the solidarity for our Serbian sisters and brothers until there is justice.”
Judith Kirton-Darling, general secretary of industriAll Europe, expressed strong support for the Yura workers and their union, saying:
"I want to extend the full solidarity of all European workers to our courageous colleagues at Yura Leskovac. We stand firmly with you in your fight for dignity, fair treatment, and safety at work. Our thoughts are with the injured workers, and we wish them a swift and full recovery. Yura management must immediately compensate the victims of this appalling incident and take responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of all workers. The union is the legitimate voice of the workforce, and it must be respected. We call on Yura to engage in meaningful dialogue with the union, put an end to violence and intimidation, and protect the rights of its employees."
For more information and to support the campaign, please sign the protest letter urging Yura to stop anti-union activities.