For some time now Korean companies active overseas have faced criticism for abusing the civil rights of workers. Some people are even calling Korean capitalism "second-rate imperialism." That is what makes it profoundly important that the civic group Korean House for International Solidarity (Kukje Minju Yeondae) is regularly going to review rights abuses by Korean companies doing business overseas, and that it is issuing an online newsletter.
Granted, attempts to lower worker wages or block the formation of unions is not unique to Korea and is common in multinational corporations. However, it is painful criticism to learn that it is uniquely Korean businessmen who use violence against their workers and suppress labor activities using the trick that involves legally closing the company and then starting a new business. It shows you how far Korean business ethics have fallen to learn that a Korean company in American Samoa has earned international criticism for forcing "slave labor" on 250 of its workers, including women from Vietnam.
Korean House for International Solidarity separated from the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (Chamyeo Yeondae) in 1999 and has been keeping watch on the activities of Korean companies that have invested overseas while seeking to practice solidarity with civic groups around the world. It has partially washed away the disgrace from the civil rights abuses of Korean companies. One understands that there are various difficulties companies face when expanding to other countries. There might even be some Korean companies that take a negative view of complaints coming from civic groups, but they should look over the long run. If a company earns a reputation as a "company that abuses workers civil rights" it will keep the company from growing and become an obstacle for other Korean companies wanting to enter the same country.
While they are at it, companies should take the opportunity to eradicate oppression against labor and respect other countries' cultures and civil rights. Companies need to make the right decision. If it also has to be for the sake of long-term corporate development, they need to take the initiative in improving the conditions for civil rights.
The Hankyoreh, 7 July 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Respect for Workers at Korean Companies Overseas |
