[Unofficial translation provided by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

“‘No renewal’ – a single sentence costs worker his job… “the future looks bleak”,” 9 January 2025

In a meeting on December 6, 2024, with the CEO of Jiseong Logistics, a major domestic electronics company, Park Chan-su (a pseudonym), an appliance installation worker at the company's Gyeonggi Gunpo Logistics Centre, was told in no uncertain terms: "We’re not renewing your contract."

…Although legally classified as an independent contractor, Park was effectively a "specialised employee" working under the direction of the company. This statement from the CEO marked what could be considered a de facto dismissal.

…Park had originally gone to the meeting to protest the unfair termination of a colleague's contract, only to find himself receiving the same news. His contract was terminated verbally, without a written explanation or formal notice.

The reason provided by the CEO was described as "creating the atmosphere" in the workplace. (…)

…Jiseong Logistics employs 115 people, and, according to reports, three workers, including Park, received similar unilateral contract terminations last year.

Park suspects that the true reason for his dismissal is linked to his role as the head of the company’s workers' association, a position he took up in September 2024 after joining the company in 2014. Although the company does not recognise its workers' association as a formal trade union, it has taken on a similar role within the company, as there is no official union.

…A representative of Jiseong Logistics responded to Park's claims by stating, "This is not a matter we are prepared to comment on."