Re: NOT SAFE FOR WORK THREAD!
 

Thousands of Hyundai, Kia Worker Strike


SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Assembly line production at South Korea's two largest automakers ground to a halt Friday as tens of thousands of workers launched six-hour strikes across the nation to protest proposed labor legislation.

Friday's strike was called by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, which wants the government to withdraw a bill aimed at allowing companies to hire more temporary employees, while making it easier for companies to downsize.

The labor confederation threatened to call a general strike next Thursday unless its demand is met. It claims a membership of 600,000 workers.

Hyundai Motor Co., the nation's No. 1 car maker, said the strike would cost 80 billion won (US$76 million; euro57 million), or 5,600 cars, in lost production.

Hyundai Motor affiliate Kia Motors Corp., the second-largest manufacturer in the country, estimated its production losses at 48 billion won (US$45.6 million; euro34.4 million), or 3,450 cars.

The labor confederation said 153,000 auto, metal, chemicals and transportation workers joined the temporary strike, which began at 10 a.m. (0100 GMT) at 280 work sites. The Labor Ministry estimated the number of strikers at 92,000 at 123 sites.

Some of the striking workers will travel to Seoul to hold a rally later Friday, union officials said.

Unionized workers fear the bill would hurt job security, because it permits companies to employ cheaper temporary staff for up to three years, without making them permanent employees.

The government says the new bill would help ease the rigidity of the South Korean labor market, and attract foreign investors by making it easier for companies to downsize.

South Korea wants to attract more foreign investment to revive its economy, which has been badly hit by a combination of sluggish consumer demand, weak corporate investment, and rising oil prices.


11/25/04 23:37

© Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. <span style="font-size:36pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:orange">The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.</span></span>


*EDITED BY ADMIN - Think we should leave this last paragraph?*

Re: NOT SAFE FOR WORK THREAD!
 

that sux...

Re: NOT SAFE FOR WORK THREAD!
 

Cant we all just get along... Well atleast WE know we are doing our part to help ther economy, we all drive hyundai's laugh.gif

Re: Window leaking?
 

You would think that since Hyundai knew about the strike they would have taken care of it before it happened. That is alot of money to lose in only 6 hours. Figure they lost about 120+ Million just for that little strike? Must be nice to have enough overhead to just be like screw it let them have at it!

Re: Window leaking?
 

They should just withdraw the bill. It's understandable why the workers are stricking. The downside is that Hyundai is loosing money out of this and Hyundai may be getting more expensive to make up lost revenue.

Re: About ARK
 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (bzplayer6)</div><div class='quotemain'>11/25/04 23:37

© Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. <span style="font-size:36pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:orange">The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.</span></span>


*EDITED BY ADMIN - Think we should leave this last paragraph?*</div>