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Photo: GM Korea |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] SEOUL, November 19 — GM Korea’s plan to shut down all nine company-operated service centers in February 2025 has triggered a deepening labor conflict that threatens to evolve into a structural crisis for the automaker’s domestic operations.
GM Korea cited continued financial losses and geopolitical uncertainties as reasons for the closures. However, the labor union argues the decision is a preemptive move to reduce headcount and restructure the service network—especially now that tariff-related pressures in the U.S. market have eased.
The union warns that the shutdown is not a routine business adjustment but a move that could impact GM Korea’s overall sales strategy and after-sales service infrastructure, raising the likelihood of a prolonged dispute.
At a press conference held on Nov. 19 in front of the Chevrolet Seoul Service Center in Yeongdeungpo, the union announced the launch of an emergency task force and vowed to “mobilize all possible actions” to block the closures.
The union asserted that GM Korea’s justification—loss-making operations and geopolitical risks including U.S. tariffs—was misleading, noting that tariff issues have recently been resolved and no longer impose significant cost burdens.
GM Korea notified the union on Nov. 7 that all nine direct-run centers would cease operations as of Feb. 15, 2025. The union is demanding the company withdraw the unilateral decision.
The union plans further demonstrations, including a rally on Nov. 24 in front of Korea Development Bank headquarters in Yeouido and a press conference at the National Assembly on Nov. 26.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
