Shinsegae in hot seat over workers' deaths

Korean Mart Labor Union members hold a rally in front of Shinsegae headquarters in Seoul, Thursday, to urge Shinsegae Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin to apologize for the recent deaths of two workers. / Courtesy of the Korean Mart Labor Union

Flowers are laid on a counter at E-mart's Guro branch in Seoul to mourn a cashier's death. / Courtesy of the Korean Mart Labor Union

By Park Jae-hyuk

Shinsegae Group Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin has been facing criticism from the labor union for ignoring the recent deaths of two workers at E-mart discount stores the group operates.

The Korean Mart Labor Union said Sunday it will hold rallies in front of Shinsegae Department Store's main branch in downtown Seoul and E-mart stores nationwide until the vice chairman apologizes for the fatal accidents.

According to the union, a 48-year-old female cashier, who had worked for the discount chain for 10 years, complained of sudden chest pain and collapsed while working at E-mart's Guro branch in Seoul, March 31.

She was moved to a nearby hospital in 10 minutes, but did not survive.

The accident happened three days after the death of a moving walkway repairman at E-mart's Donong branch in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.

While inspecting a moving walkway after the store's closing time, the 21-year-old, who worked for an E-mart's subcontractor, fell into a gap underneath the machine which suddenly began operation.

He died at a hospital after being rescued about an hour after the accident.

In February, a 50-year-old manager of a babywear store, one of the tenants at Shinsegae's Starfield Goyang mega-size shopping mall, attempted suicide in a warehouse inside the store and died next day, although the labor union did not mention the case this time.

Chung, known for his active communication with others, has yet to mourn for the series of tragedies, but he just posted a picture of his new beer dispenser on his Instagram, stirring up anger of the union members.

Shinsegae has rejected the union's requests, saying the vice chairman is not responsible for the accidents.

However, the labor union cited the company's decision to reduce working hours without additional employment as a possible reason for the cashier's death, saying E-mart workers have had to work more with less rest than before.

The retail giant has been highlighted for its implementation of a 35-hour workweek beginning this year, but the union members have regarded the measure as a fraudulent act to save pay from its workers, following the increase in the minimum wage.

“When the 21-year-old died, E-mart blamed its subcontractor to avoid its responsibility,” said Kim Jin-sook, former secretary-general of the Home plus union. “The discount chain still remains reluctant to make an apology, despite the death of the directly hired employee.”

Amid the intensifying conflict, E-mart accused the union leaders last week of their alleged assaults, obstruction of business and defamation, after a rally held at E-mart's Guro branch.