In the midst of controversy after the dairy manufacturer Purmil notified its employees of unilateral termination of business and layoffs, the Korea Federation of Trade Unions, to which the union of Purmil belongs, issued a statement today (20th), and Purmil withdrew its unilateral layoff policy and reselled it. He urged them to faithfully explore other alternatives.



The Federation of Korean Trade Unions condemned, "We absolutely cannot accept the unreasonable and unilateral termination of Purmil's business," and condemned "Purmil's decision to force 400 workers to be thrown out on the street without any alternatives overnight is beyond immoral and disrespectful."



He then criticized the family, including former Purmill CEO Shin Jun-ho and Purmill CEO Shin Dong-hwan, for shifting responsibility for management failures to the employees.



In particular, he pointed out, "It is a serious business crisis, and after forcing employees to reduce their wages and return them, former Chairman Shin received 3 billion won in severance pay."



Previously, on the 17th, Purmil sent an e-mail to all employees notifying them of layoffs saying that they would end their business on the 30th of the following month.



At the time, the company said in an e-mail, "We have been looking for special countermeasures due to accumulated losses for more than four years, but so far there have been no tangible results, so we inevitably closed the business, and decided to lay off the company due to unavoidable circumstances."



Criticism is also being raised against the unilateral notice of dismissal with only 44 days left before the end of the business.



According to the Labor Standards Act, workers' representatives, including unions, must be notified and agreed to at least 50 days before dismissal, but it is reported that there was no such measure in Purmil.



About 50 employees of dairy farms and subcontractors that have supplied crude oil to Purmil and about 100 truck drivers were also affected by the sudden notice of business closure.



Officials of 25 dairy farms that have directly contracted with Purmil and have been supplying crude oil will hold a demonstration in Tokyo on the 25th in front of the Purmil headquarters.



In addition, retailers such as E-Mart and Homeplus, which have contracted with Purmil to supply PB products, are also looking for manufacturers to replace Purmil.



(Photo = Yonhap News)