Up to 28,000 workers will go an indefinite strike from September 9 at South Korea’s top three shipyards, protesting a proposed wage freeze.
With Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) all posting heavy losses in the second quarter senior management at the trio of yards are taking emergency measures to staunch the red ink, something that has not gone down well with their employees.
Other Korean yards who also face financial difficulties and are trying to negotiate salary freezes – such as STX Offshore & Shipbuilding and Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction – also face the risk of strikes.
Disputes over pay at Korean yards and subsequent strikes are very common. What remains unclear this time is how long the unions intend to keep up the militant action.
