The unionized workers of Kumho Tire Co suspended its ongoing strike to elect a new union leader.
The labor union said the strike was suspended to prepare for the election process as the current leader’s term expires on Sept. 30, saying the new leadership will make a decision on the next move.
“We put a temporarily hold on the walkout because we cannot continue the strike while holding an election for the new leadership simultaneously,” a labor union official said.
The workers staged an all-out strike last August 17 because they did not agree with the management regarding the pay scheme. The management wanted to adopt a system that would allow them to extend their retirement age in exchange for a capped salary.
The strike pushed the company to shut down its production plant in Gwangju last September 6.
Kumho Tire said said it re-opened production lines to allow workers to return to work.
Losses from the 39-day walkout incurred to the company have been estimated at 150 billion won (US$129 million), while the average loss for each worker is expected to exceed 4.2 million won.