On the 15th, Homeplus workers held a one-person protest in front of 90 stores nationwide, urging Chairman Kim Byung-joo of the private equity firm MBK Partners to attend the National Assembly.
The National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee designated Chairman Kim as a witness for a hearing on Homeplus-related issues scheduled for the 18th; however, Kim submitted a notice of absence, stating, "I do not interfere in the management of individual companies (Homeplus) after MBK's investment is complete."
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Homeplus branch protested that day in front of 90 stores where union members work among the 126 Homeplus locations, holding signs that read, "MBK Kim Byung-joo, attend the National Assembly and respond" and "MBK, which has taken the money and run, save Homeplus." The union members said, "Chairman Kim Byung-joo, as the head of MBK, should demonstrate a responsible attitude regarding the corporate rehabilitation issues of Homeplus," adding that Kim's statement of "not interfering in the management of individual companies" is a way to evade responsibility.
Ahn Yong-soo, Chairperson of the Homeplus branch of the Mart Labor Union, said, "Including store sales or the sale of the express division in Homeplus's rehabilitation plan is merely a measure to temporarily extend the existence of Homeplus," adding, "Ultimately, this leads to the liquidation of Homeplus." He continued, "A practical rehabilitation plan that does not decrease corporate value is needed, and MBK should take responsibility and resolve this."
Since the initiation of Homeplus's rehabilitation process on the 4th of this month, the number of workers joining the Homeplus Mart Labor Union has increased to more than 20 per day. The Homeplus Mart Labor Union will hold a general delegate meeting on the afternoon of the 18th to announce future plans for protests against layoffs and additional store sales.