Hanwha Ocean subcontracted workers end crane protests for first bargaining session

Two subcontracted workers at Hanwha Ocean's Geoje shipyard have ended their high-altitude protests on cranes to participate in the first round of collective bargaining with the parent company. This meeting marks the first direct negotiations between Hanwha Ocean and the subcontracted labor unions in seven months.

The protests were initiated by members of the Korean Metal Workers' Union's Geoje-Tongyeong-Goseong Shipbuilding Subcontractor Branch and the Welliv branch. They are demanding improved wages and welfare—specifically seeking to raise them to 80% of regular employees' levels—as well as non-discriminatory performance bonuses and employment security during company changes.

While two union officials descended to attend the negotiations, four other workers continue their high-altitude protests on factory roofs and cranes. The legal impetus for these negotiations followed a court decision that rejected Hanwha Ocean's request to suspend a ruling requiring the company to include Welliv workers in collective bargaining.