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Workers from GM Korea, who are facing intense pressure as a result of restructuring, hold a rally in front of the company’s factory in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province on Mar. 14 to protest the recent decision to close the plant. (provided by the GM Korea branch of the Korean Metal Workers’ Union)
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Many workers are under immense stress as a result of company’s restructuring
Two GM Korea workers asked to submit voluntary resignations took their own lives in the space of one month. Many are now concerned about a possible repeat of the tragic situation at Ssangyong Motor, where several workers committed suicide after losing their jobs amid cuts to 40% of the automaker’s total workforce in 2009. At around 4:55 pm on Mar. 24, a 47-year-old worker surnamed Ko at GM Korea’s plant in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, was found dead in an apartment in the city’s Miryong neighborhood. Ko’s body was discovered by family members visiting his home after they were unable to reach him for three days. No note was found at the scene. Ko had worked at GM Korea’s Gunsan plant for 22 years since joining the company in 1996. At the time of his death, he was affiliated with the engine line in the assembly and design department. Ko was scheduled to leave the company around May, having submitted a voluntary resignation request on Mar. 2 and receiving notification of the company’s approval five days later. Gunsan Police Station is currently investigating the precise cause and circumstances of Ko’s death. Police plan to unlock his mobile phone to search for clues on the factors behind his death. “The precise cause of death was not yet been given. But all GM workers are facing intense stress due to the fear that they might lose their jobs at any moment,” said the Gunsan chapter of the GM Korea branch of the Korean Metal Workers’ Union. “We see this death as likely to have been influenced by the aftermath of restructuring,” the chapter said. On Mar. 7, a 55-year-old worker surnamed Lee from GM Korea’s Bupyeong plant was found dead by suicide in an Incheon park. At around 3:15 that afternoon, Lee had received a text message from the company notifying him that he had been approved for voluntary resignation. A bag in Lee’s possession was filled with clothesline, but no note was found at the scene. GM Korea previously announced on Feb. 13 that it would be shuttering its Gunsan plant as a restructuring measure in response to financial difficulties. Voluntary resignation requests were received through Mar. 2 for four factories in Bupyeong, Gunsan, Changwon, and Boryeong. The union estimated that around 2,500 of 16,000 workers submitted voluntary resignation requests during this period. The company reportedly plans to officially retire the workers around May. By Ahn Kwan-ok and Choi Ha-yan, staff reporters Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]
