The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) National Plant Construction Union (Plant Union) warned of a general strike, demanding direct talks with the prime contractors. If a strike actually takes place, it is expected to be the first large-scale strike targeting prime contractors since the enforcement of the yellow envelope law, a new labor law aimed at strengthening the bargaining rights of subcontract workers.
The Plant Union held a press conference on the morning of the 1st and said it will join the "strike to demand talks with prime contractors" that the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has slated for the 15th, while separately pushing for a general strike in August.
Lee Joo-an, head of the Plant Union, said, "The union-wide vote held on the 19th–26th on industrial action for talks with prime contractors passed with an overwhelming approval rate of 79.2%," and noted, "We decided on a general strike struggle in line with the will of the members."
The Plant Union argued it would force prime contractors to come to the bargaining table even if it has to strike. Since the enforcement of the yellow envelope law, a new labor law aimed at strengthening the bargaining rights of subcontract workers, the Plant Union has demanded talks with four ordering companies—POSCO, S-Oil, Korea Zinc, and SK Energy—and with 10 general contractors including SK ecoplant. But the Plant Union says prime contractor corporations are not responding to the talks.
To secure the right to take industrial action, the Plant Union decided to file for mediation with the Labor Relations Commission. It also decided to file a complaint the same day with the Seoul Regional Office of Employment and Labor against ordering companies that are evading talks, alleging violations of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act.