[THE INVESTOR] Kia Motors’ union is joining in the umbrella union’s nationwide strike on July 22, amid accusations that its participation is illegal and politically motivated.

The strike is led by the Korean Metal Workers’ Union, a subgroup within the hard-line Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, which counts unions of carmakers and shipbuilders among its members. 

Labor unions belonging to the Metal Workers’ Union will stage partial strikes at their workplaces, and then gather outside Hyundai Motor Group’s office and the National Assembly in Seoul.

The unionists will also gather in central Seoul in the evening for a rally calling for reform of South Korean chaebol, or family-run conglomerates.

The umbrella union is demanding that shipbuilders stop the restructuring, the government change labor reform plans and for Hyundai Motor Group to engage in this year’s negotiations with a sincere attitude.

The umbrella union estimates that 150,000 people will participate, while the government estimates the figure at 82,000.

While the umbrella union’s strike has followed legal procedures, the government has taken issue with the participation of Kia Motors’ union. The authorities say that Kia’s union is striking for political reasons rather than to gain leverage in the negotiations to improve working conditions. Under local regulations a labor union is prohibited from taking industrial action for political reasons.

While Kia Motors’ union and the umbrella union claim that legal procedures were followed, the authorities say that procedures were ignored, making the participation of Kia Motors’ union illegal.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)