Doosan Sees the End of Labor Dispute

Doosan worker Bae Dol-ho caught himself on fire burned himself to death about two months ago. Since then, a labor dispute had engulfed Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction Company for 62 days. With the intervention of the Labor Ministry, the dispute came to an end yesterday.

Representing the management, vice president Kim Jong-seh met with Kim Chang-kun, the representative of the labor union, at 7 a.m. yesterday. They signed up an agreement with ministry officials on hand, including its Minister Kwon Kee-hong. The agreement reportedly consists of 10 sections.

So far the two sides tried in vain to resolve the labor dispute due to the issue of reinstating workers who were fired or disciplined. Now, they agree to reinstate five of the eighteen workers first, and continue their talks for the rest. The management promises to voluntarily dismiss all the lawsuits and lien petitions against its union members.

Nonetheless, some believe that the two camps have left a "bad" precedent. This matter was sparked when the management commenced legal actions and attachments against union members. However, the management and the labor, they point out, failed to clarify their positions as to withdrawal of the legal actions.

In the meanwhile, the company promises to pay 50% of the wages that the workers would have received during last year`s strike period, or from May 22 to July 7. Furthermore, the two sides agree to dismiss all legal actions initiated by each side.

Now that the dispute is over, the labor union plans to have a funeral of Bae as a national union funeral tomorrow morning in the company.

manman@donga.com