Hyundai unionists threaten to stage general strike if gov't orders emergency arbitration

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- Unionized workers at Hyundai Motor Group threatened Wednesday to stage a general strike if the government invokes its right to emergency arbitration to order workers at South Korea's No. 1 carmaker to return to work, sources said.

The move came after Labor Minister Lee Ki-kweon said last week the government would consider calling for an emergency measure if the trade union and management fail to iron out a compromise and end a strike at Hyundai Motor Co. that is seriously hurting car parts subcontractors and the overall economy.

By law, the government can intervene to suspend a walkout when it is related to public services, adversely affects the daily lives of the general public and jeopardizes the national economy. If enacted, the concerned parties are required to immediately suspend walkouts for the following 30 days.

sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)