Incheon International Airport Corporation's employer status regarding industrial safety matters has been recognized for its subcontractor labor unions.
The Incheon Regional Labor Relations Commission announced Wednesday that it has "recognized the Corporation's employer status on industrial safety matters and decided to separate bargaining units by each labor union's upper-level federation" in response to applications for bargaining unit separation filed by the Corporation and its subcontractor unions. The Corporation and seven subcontractor unions had each filed applications for bargaining unit separation with the Incheon Regional Labor Relations Commission following the implementation of the revised Trade Union Act.
The Commission cited as grounds for recognizing the prime contractor's employer status that the Corporation holds control over major airport facilities and equipment, and that it oversees the overall safety and health management system of the airport. Regarding the method of bargaining unit separation, the Commission comprehensively considered similarities in interests among unions and potential for conflicts. Accordingly, it decided to separate the subcontractor worker groups into three bargaining units by their upper-level federations.
"I hope this subcontractor bargaining unit separation model will serve as an opportunity for both prime contractors and subcontractors to engage in substantive dialogue, leading to improved working conditions and better public services," said Min Gil-soo, Chairman of the Incheon Regional Labor Relations Commission.