GM Korea Refuses Subcontracted Union Bargaining Despite 'Yellow Envelope Law'

GM Korea is reportedly ignoring demands for collective bargaining from its subcontracted labor unions, even after four formal requests. The unions are pushing for immediate negotiations, asserting their rights under the recently enacted "Yellow Envelope Law." This legislation allows subcontracted workers to engage in collective bargaining directly with the primary contractor.

The subcontracted workers, organized under unions such as the Korean GM Bupyeong Irregular Workers' Union and the GM Parts Distribution Union, have sent multiple requests for collective bargaining since March. However, GM Korea has allegedly failed to even acknowledge these requests, let alone engage in negotiations. The "Yellow Envelope Law" mandates that upon receiving a collective bargaining request, the main contractor must publicly announce it and either engage in negotiations or dispute the necessity of bargaining with the regional labor committee within seven days.

GM Korea, however, has stated it has no intention of negotiating with the subcontracted workers. A company representative indicated that they would only respond if the union files a correction request with the regional labor committee regarding the lack of public announcement. This stance has led the Metal Workers' Union's Incheon branch to state they will file such a request with the labor committee if GM Korea continues to ignore their demands.

This situation follows GM Korea's prior negative stance on the "Yellow Envelope Law." Hector Villarreal, president of GM Korea, had previously expressed concerns that South Korea is a country with high labor risks, which could lead to a reassessment of its operations by the parent company. The unions argue that GM Korea holds all decision-making power regarding workload, work speed, staffing, working conditions, and even employment and dismissals, and therefore must engage in direct collective bargaining.