Metal union suspects 'tail-cutting' in HL Mando search over fatal accident

South Korean authorities have initiated a search and seizure operation at HL Mando's Pyeongtaek plant and the headquarters of a subcontractor, sixteen days after the death of a 28-year-old subcontractor worker, Kim Seung-mo, in an accident at the facility. The investigation by the Gyeonggi Provincial Employment and Labor Office and the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency involves approximately 30 labor inspectors and police officers.

However, the Korean Metal Workers' Union has raised concerns about the investigation's scope and timing, suggesting it may be an attempt to "cut the tail" and avoid holding top executives accountable. The union pointed out that the search excluded the Pyeongtaek plant's second-floor office, the eighth-floor office of the company's Chief Safety Officer (CSO) and Chief Labor Officer (CLO), and the R&D center in Pangyo where CEO Cho Sung-hyun works.

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We suspect this is an attempt to 'cut the tail,' as the headquarters executives and CEO are excluded from the search.

The union argues that searching only the Pyeongtaek plant's office is insufficient to assess HL Mando's overall safety management system. They believe a comprehensive investigation, including the headquarters and executive offices, is necessary to uncover the truth and ensure proper accountability. The union also criticized the delay in the search, stating it allowed the company ample time to prepare.

In a statement, the union expressed doubts about the thoroughness of the investigation, given the delay and the limited scope. They called for a more robust search and urged authorities to actively listen to the opinions of on-site workers and the labor union. The union also emphasized the need for transparency and sufficient provision of information regarding the accident investigation to the victim's family.

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The search of only the Pyeongtaek plant's office, while the eighth floor houses the headquarters' safety and labor management, raises suspicions of collusion with the 원청 (parent company) to 'cut the tail.' A proper search must be conducted again.