By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
The trade union of Kumho Tire launched an indefinite strike Tuesday after it failed to reach an agreement with management over wage increases and restructuring schemes.
The union said more than 4,000 workers laid down their tools at Kumho's three plants across the nation.
``We will continue to strike until the company cancels its downsizing plan,'' said the union in a statement.
The union claims Kumho plans to shut down its main plant in Gwangju, about 300 kilometers southwest of Seoul if the job cut plan is not implemented.
The union has staged a partial strike to protest the company's plans to slash 431 jobs since early this month. So far, the union and Kumho's management have met 14 times, but no progress has been made.
The union is also demanding Kumho raise the basic monthly salary by 130,000 won and offer a 50 percent increase in bonuses. Management wants to freeze wages and eliminate the 431 jobs as part of restructuring to counter rising raw materials prices and higher manufacturing costs.