Pernod Ricard workers’ strike feared to continue

The Korea branch of global wine and spirits leader Pernod Ricard may have to deal with longer labor union strikes which were extended last month. The company headquarters has remained silent on the issue.

The union convened a special general meeting on Jan. 26 concluding it will continue its walkout and begin a one-man protest from that day. Laborers are demanding an increase in wages — which have been frozen for the past six years — and for the removal of the company’s decision to abolish the union group.

It all started when Pernod Ricard Korea CEO Frantz Hotton terminated a 23-year collective agreement with the union. Hotton was appointed to his position in 2021. The liquor retailer had been failing to meet the request of its employees to raise wages since October 2016.

“Soon or later, the union will sue the company for unfair labor practices such as dismissing the group and closing down our office,” the union said.

“During the full strike, the CEO went on a business trip to the Middle East to watch a World Cup game and later enjoyed a long vacation there. When he returned, he abused his power and verbally assaulted the union chairman, who protested against the closure of the union office,” Pernod Ricard’s labor union chairman Lee Kang-ho said.

Pernod Ricard Korea said it has nothing to say on the issue.

Pernod Ricard Korea closed the union’s office last December moving its headquarters to Jung District, Seoul. The union has built a temporary office with a hiking tent inside the company walls.

Meanwhile, the union’s walkout started partially last October, but turned into an overall strike as of Nov. 28. The prolonged protest has continued since then. A total of 50 staffers are registered with the labor union, which accounts for 35.6 percent of the company’s 140 employees.

Lee was also put on detention for 15 months by the headquarters in January 2019.