By Kim Tae-jong

The labor union of Hyundai Motor has come under harsh criticism after demanding that management provide favors to the children of long-term unionized workers during recruitment.

In collective bargaining, the union has included the clause requesting the company give advantages to the children of retired employees and those working at the company for over 25 years during hiring as long as they are qualified.

Though the controversial plan has yet to receive approval from union representatives, the union is drawing criticism from non-permanent workers and young jobseekers who consider the move as unfair favoritism and a discriminatory practice.

Hyundai Motor union members claim that the plan is just to ask the company to acknowledge the dedication of long-term workers.

“Of course, we are not asking the company to hire them all whether or not they are qualified,” Jang Gyu-ho, an official from the union, said. “And the underlying purpose is to recognize the efforts and devotion of union members who have contributed to the growth of the company into a world-class car maker.”

A number of unionists have long requested that senior union members discuss the issue, claiming that Kia Motors union and Daewoo Motor union have similar arrangements in their collective agreements with their management, Jang said.

However, the plan to “inherit jobs” is causing conflicts with other workers.

In particular, non-regular workers denounced the plan, arguing that such privilege is another way of discriminating against them.

“I feel betrayed. How could they make such selfish demands when there are more urgent issues they should tackle,” a non-permanent worker at the company said.

Currently, many non-regular workers claim that they suffer from unfair treatment and often lose their jobs in the midst of a sluggish economy without proper protection. They are demanding better treatment and the conversion of their status to permanent employees.

Non-regular workers also expect the permanent workers’ union to show a spirit of comradeship.

“It’s not the right time to discuss the issue when a lot of non-regular workers at the company suffer from various disadvantages, and the permanent workers’ union should first try to do something for them,” said Kim Jik-soo, an official from Working Voice, a civic group for non-permanent workers. “Especially, union leaders should persuade union members to join forces to find a quicker resolution of the issue of non-regular workers, instead of only promoting their own welfare.”

Given the high youth unemployment rate, a lot of young jobseekers also criticized the plan,

“It’s just unfair. It’s a discrimination against all young jobseekers because it’s not their talent or achievement to have a father who is a unionist,” 26-year-old university student Go Yo-han said.

The union plans to finalize their demands for the collective bargaining until today and start negotiations with management from next month.