Minister Kim Young-hoon of the Ministry of Employment and Labor on the 11th visited the sit-in camp of Homeplus workers set up in front of MBK Partners' headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, and promised a responsible response at the ministry level.
According to the Mart Industry Labor Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), the Minister visited the site that day and said, "The government sees this issue seriously at a pan-government level," noting the same.
Kim said, "Store closures are not simply the problem of corporations but have a serious impact on local economies and communities," adding, "As the competent ministry, the labor ministry will respond responsibly."
He added, "We are operating a task force (TF) within the ministry to closely monitor employment trends and on-site conditions," and "We will also review the social dialogue body proposed by the union and report this matter to the Cabinet meeting."
The Minister said, "What is most important is to find a good-faith acquirer and protect workers' jobs," adding, "If unfair labor practices are confirmed, we will respond sternly and also seek measures to minimize damage."
The Mart Industry Labor Union is continuing a sit-in for the 149th day in front of the headquarters of MBK Partners, the largest shareholder of Homeplus, and for the 31st day in front of the presidential office, demanding a rehabilitation plan without sale or restructuring.
Homeplus, which began corporate rehabilitation proceedings (court receivership) in Mar., decided to close all 15 stores where rent adjustment negotiations broke down within the year and to move up closing time to 10 p.m. at all hypermarket stores to cut operating costs.
Suwon Woncheon, Daegu Dongchon, Busan Jangnim, Ulsan Buk-gu, and Incheon Gyesan will close on Nov. 16, and 10 stores—including Seoul Siheung, Gayang, Ilsan, Ansan Gojan, Hwaseong Dongtan, Cheonan Sinbang, Daejeon Munhwa, Jeonju Wansan, Busan Gamman, and Ulsan Nam-gu—will close in Dec.