Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Porsche dealer refutes labor claims
By Park Jin-hai
SSCL CEO Graeme Hunter
By Park Jin-hai
Stuttgart Sports Cars Ltd (SSCL), the largest local Porsche dealer, hit back at its car dealers that are staging walkouts, saying they have distorted the truth and are playing games with the media.
It said most of the union’s claims that the company unfairly dismissed union members and that dealers face poor working conditions are simply not true.
“Unions insist on an unconditional retraction of the disciplinary action legally taken by the company. The recent dismissal of four dealers was a measure against individuals who violated not only ethical regulations of the company but also Korean law,” said Shin Ye-hwan, SSCL’s sales and marketing director, during a recent press meeting.
The 49 union members out of the company total of 68 dealers have been on strike since Aug. 5, calling for the return of the four union members that were dismissed. The SSCL claims one of the union members was fired for abusing his position and committing sexual harassment on two occasions; another lost his job for a trademark violation; while the other two set up non-official sales regulations contrary to company sales rules and forced other dealers to comply.
The SSCL’s union, formed in June 2014, is the nation’s first labor union in the imported car industry.
The SSCL’s former union leader and founder Lee Ji-do said the recent union members’ street protest in front of the SSCL’s headquarters could disrupt the company’s business, jeopardizing the livelihood of other employees.
He said the union’s claim that some members experience financial difficulties because of their low salaries without a base payment is not true.
Calling the company the Manchester United of car dealerships, most dealers have a high paycheck, way above the industry average.
“The major reason why many dealers want to come to our company is our high commissions for dealers, in spite of relatively low basic payments,” said Kim Jin-hyo, dealer and former union representative. “It was dealers who wanted to have the commission system.”
Last year, the average annual income of SSCL sales consultants was about 85 million won. In July alone, their average income recorded 14 million won, while their annual salary is expected to reach over 100 million won this year, according to the company.
It claims dealers’ actual payment could even be 50 percent more, because many receive commissions from external business such as leases.
SSCL stressed that it is currently pays a base payment, which amounts to 1.2 million won, as well as paying employees for extra working days, complying with the local labor law.
The company’s annual wage talks have been at a standstill, as union members, under the new leadership that was seated in April, have rejected most of the agreement set with the previous union leaders.
In the three negotiation sessions this year, labor and management have failed to close the gap.