Hanwha Ocean subcontractors' union secures the right to engage in disputes against the main contractor

Subcontracted workers who have handled meal services and facility management at Hanwha Ocean have secured a lawful right to dispute against Hanwha Ocean, the principal contractor. On the 2nd, the Gyeongnam Regional Labor Relations Commission decided to suspend mediation regarding the labor dispute mediation request filed by the Welchive branch of the KCTU Metal Workers’ Union. With this decision, the union is now in a position to go on strike. This is known to be the first case since the Yellow Envelope Law took effect last March in which a subcontracted union has obtained the right to strike against the principal contractor. The union had previously filed for mediation last month, saying that the company had refused to respond to negotiations even though the Central Labor Relations Commission had recognized Hanwha Ocean as the employer regarding the industrial safety and working environment agenda. The Metal Workers’ Union argued that Hanwha Ocean should implement the Labor Commission’s decision and enter into collective bargaining, and said it would go on strike if management continued to refuse.