GGM union ratifies tentative collective bargaining agreement

The union at Gwangju Global Motors (GGM) has voted to approve a tentative collective bargaining agreement reached with management, bringing a prolonged labor-management dispute closer to resolution.

According to the Korean Metal Workers' Union's Gwangju-Jeonnam chapter, 246 of the GGM branch's 264 members cast ballots — a turnout of 93.18 percent — and 233 of them, or 94.72 percent, voted in favor, passing the tentative agreement.

The vote was held Monday and Tuesday. The agreement includes a guaranteed 2,700 hours of paid union activity time, the provision of a union office on company premises, and increases of 900,000 won ($671) each in holiday travel allowances and summer vacation pay.

It also covers a 500,000 won solidarity bonus tied to the conclusion of collective bargaining, partial improvements to the criteria for a mutual-cooperation contribution fund, and union participation in occupational health and safety activities.

The union and management plan to hold a signing ceremony Thursday to formally conclude the collective bargaining process.

The two sides reached the tentative agreement Wednesday after accepting a recommendation from the labor-management-civil-government mediation and arbitration committee of the South Jeolla-Gwangju Integrated Special Metropolitan City and conducting intensive negotiations.

The agreement also prompted union officials to end a hunger strike that had continued for more than two weeks.

"There is much that falls short of what the union demanded," said Kim Jin-tae, head of the GGM branch. "We believe the high approval rate reflects members' desire to resolve the labor-management conflict quickly, push forward with a two-shift daytime work schedule, and establish a growth strategy after cumulative production reaches 350,000 vehicles."