Samsung Heavy Industries accused of migrant worker discrimination, rights violations

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) is facing allegations that the shipbuilder unfairly dismissed migrant workers, withheld wages and violated their human rights. A union of subcontracted shipyard workers under the Korean Metal Workers’ Union said in a recent press release that SHI forced three migrant employees, who had worked at its shipyard for about six months under E-7-3 visas for skilled workers, to resign this month despite having two-year contracts. The union said it was unreasonable to believe the E-7-3 visa holders voluntarily resigned, noting that the workers each paid at least 10 million won ($6,800) to come to Korea and would need to return home if they quit voluntarily. “If their skills were unsatisfactory, the employer could simply decide not to renew their contracts once the terms expired,” the union said. “Migrant workers whose contracts are not renewed can still seek other employment with a D-10 visa for job seekers.” The union also pointed to discrimination in meal services at the shipyard. Unlike Korean workers, who receive free lunches and pay 1,000 won for eachWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times