[quote=Rt.66]One thing I noticed from looking into Korean autoworker wages is that Koreans protect and fight for these jobs like angry badgers. Man they’ll strike and shut a town down if a sneeze comes out sounding like “layoffs”.

Another example of a country that recognizes the importance and worth of good jobs and fights for them.

While we continue to debate whether or not it’s a good idea to cheer for the LOSS of the same jobs.

Funny.
[/quote]

Few explanations.

Union at Hyundai Motors is particularly combative. Not sure why but they are very aggressive. Many S Koreans don’t like them (union members) too much i think.

A sister company across town, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), has a much more reasonable union. HHI is a huge ship builder. Union at HHI used to be aggressive and had huge street battles (really battles) and all. But the management learned to work with them and their union is much less combative. In fact the union volunteered few months ago not to interfere if the management decides to cut wages etc in the difficult time. It helps that HHI has enough orders to keep them busy for next 3 years but still.

Many jobs left ROK and went to other cheaper areas like China etc.

IMO, one thing that’s hindering US from acting swiftly is the US Treasury’s printing press. ROK don’t own printing press that can print $$.

US has Plan B, the printing press, although that might change if China has its way. But not ROK.