Samsung Heavy Industries Faces Union Condemnation Over Alleged Mistreatment of Foreign Workers

Union condemnation of Samsung Heavy Industries

The Geoje Tongyeong Goseong Shipyard Subcontracting Branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union (hereinafter “the Union”) publicly condemns Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for allegedly abusing and discriminating against foreign workers at its shipyard. The Union argues that Samsung’s practices toward migrant employees violate basic labor rights and human dignity.

Allegations regarding forced resignations

According to the Union, three migrant workers employed at SHI under E-7-3 skilled worker visas were pressured to resign after about six months on the job, despite having two-year contracts. The Union claims these resignations were not voluntary, stressing that each worker paid a significant amount to come to Korea and would be forced to return home if classified as having quit by choice. The organization insists that, if the company was dissatisfied with their performance, it should simply have declined to renew their contracts at the end of the agreed term.

“If their skills were unsatisfactory, the employer could simply decide not to renew their contracts once the terms expired. Migrant workers whose contracts are not renewed can still seek other employment with a D-10 visa for job seekers.”

Claims of wage deductions and meal discrimination

The Union also denounces what it describes as discriminatory meal and wage practices targeting foreign staff. It reports that, while Korean workers receive free lunches and pay a small fee for breakfast and dinner, foreign workers have a fixed meal charge deducted from their monthly wages, regardless of how much they actually eat. In the Union’s view, this system effectively lowers migrants’ real pay while allowing the company to claim compliance with minimum income requirements.

“The deduction allows the company to pay lower overall wages while still meeting the legal requirement to provide a salary equal to at least 80 percent of the annual per capita gross national income.”

“Yellow and red card” system and humiliation

Another focal point of the Union’s criticism is SHI’s reported “yellow and red card” system, which is allegedly used only for migrant workers. The company is said to display yellow or red cards in public areas, signaling foreign workers who are deemed to have safety, quality, or performance problems. The Union describes this practice as public shaming that infringes on human rights and creates a hostile work environment.

“Because the practice is humiliating, the company does not apply it to Korean workers.”

Company response and broader context

Samsung Heavy Industries has stated that it is examining the Union’s claims to verify their accuracy and determine the appropriate response. The controversy arises amid broader concern in Korea about the treatment of migrant labor, especially after widely publicized cases of physical and psychological abuse in other industries. Public authorities and civil society groups are increasingly scrutinizing corporate behavior toward foreign workers and demanding stronger protections.

Author’s summary

The text details union accusations that Samsung Heavy Industries pressured foreign workers to resign, reduced their effective wages via meal deductions, and used a humiliating card system exclusively for migrants, while the company pledges to review these claims.

iMarine — 2025-11-27