Labor Ministry raids Korean Optical over alleged unfair dismissals

South Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched an investigation into Korean Optical, a subsidiary of a multinational corporation located in Gumi. The probe centers on allegations of unfair dismissals that occurred after the company initiated liquidation procedures.

On Tuesday, labor authorities dispatched approximately 10 labor supervisors, including members of a digital forensics team, to conduct a search and seizure at the company's facilities. This action aims to gather evidence related to the accusations of unfair labor practices.

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We will strictly deal with violations of labor relations laws according to law and principles. It is the firm will of the government.

Korean Optical reportedly refused collective bargaining with its labor union and proceeded to lay off workers following a fire that destroyed its factory. The Gumi branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor is executing a search warrant to clarify the charges that the dismissals constitute unfair labor practices, specifically refusal of collective bargaining and retaliatory treatment.

Lee Jong-bok, head of the Gumi branch, emphasized the government's firm resolve to act strictly according to law and principles regarding violations of labor relations laws. He stated that all available resources, including search and seizure operations, will be mobilized to thoroughly investigate unfair labor practices that infringe upon the three fundamental labor rights.

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We will thoroughly investigate unfair labor practices such as infringement of labor rights through search and seizure and mobilization of all available resources.