On March 11 and 12, Hankook workers gathered to hear from tire workers in the US and Hungary who had formed unions to make their lives better. Below is a recap of the event.
Unionized Hankook Workers in Hungary Win Huge Raises
Hungarian Chemical Workers Union (VDSz)
Tamás Székely, president of the VDSz, visited Hankook Tire USA workers in Clarksville, Tenn., to share the success story of Hungarian Hankook workers who won wage increases of 18%-33%. His words served as a powerful reminder of what can be gained when workers stand together for fairness.
Hankook Tire opened its Hungarian factory in 2006, and by the end of 2018, workers had endured years of low wages and unsafe working conditions. Each year, it seemed like things got a little worse. Despite repeated attempts to negotiate with management over the years, the concerns of Hankook workers weren’t being listened to and their needs were not being met. The final straw was when in December of 2018, the company announced there would be no Christmas bonus.
On March 6, 2019, after the workers had exhausted all other options, they voted to hold a “warning strike,” shutting down the whole plant for two hours. The strike was a bold move, and it worked—the company immediately offered a 10% raise, which was shy of the 25% raise the workers were demanding. They decided to democratically turn down the company’s offer, and on March 12, workers launched a full strike.
After just nine days, the company gave in and agreed to increase wages by 18%-33%, extend paid holiday shutdowns, and pay anniversary bonuses. Tamás emphasized that a union’s main focus is to secure good agreements. “A strike is the gun, but it’s not the goal,” he said.
Tamás explained that Hankook has the money but lacks the willingness to share it with the workers. Despite Hankook pushing back on their efforts, this story proves that when workers overcome their fear, they can win. His words left Hankook workers in Clarksville with the knowledge and confidence to continue building their union, knowing that the path may be difficult, but the rewards are worth it. With continued solidarity and education, they are inspired to make strides toward securing better working conditions and a brighter future for all.
From Struggle to Strength at Kumho Tire
Christopher “Cap” Burks
“Forming a union is an investment in your future, in kids’ future, in your communities’ future,” said Christopher “Cap” Burks, the president of USW Local 9008 representing Kumho Tire workers in Macon, Ga.
Cap has worked as a maintenance mechanic at Kumho Tire, a South Korean-owned manufacturing facility, for nine years. Before they unionized, Cap and his coworkers faced unsafe working conditions, constantly shifting policies, and a lack of written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). As a father of three, the conditions of work at Kumho Tire were dangerous for Cap, but also frightening for his family, who rely on him as a caregiver. These factors, along with rampant favoritism and poor treatment from management, pushed workers to consider exercising their federally-protected right to organize a union.
The company tried everything it could to scare workers into abandoning the idea, including threatening to close or move the plant and making false claims about union dues. Cap also shared that Kumho managers started rumors of giving employees a $3/hr raise, something that felt all too familiar for Clarksville workers. The Kumho workers ultimately voted “yes” to form their union in a secret ballot election.
Now, with a strong contract in place, Kumho workers enjoy wages increased by up to $8/hour, a health insurance plan with $0 deductible and $15 copay, job classifications tied to seniority and guaranteed 3.5% annual raises. The creation of a Health and Safety Committee, with representatives from both the union and the company, was another significant victory. “Once we won our election and got to the bargaining table, it was the best feeling in the world,” Cap shared. “We were bargaining as equals with plant management. We were no longer inferior to them.” This contract ensures stability and fairness for the hourly workers who dedicate themselves tirelessly to Kumho Tire production.
Cap’s message was clear: organizing a union is difficult, but the results—better wages, better benefits, and a more secure future—are well worth the effort.
WHAT’S TRUE AND WHAT’S NOT
Hundreds of workers at JSW Steel in Mingo Junction, Ohio, and Kenwal Steel in Dearborn, Mich., voted to join the USW in the last two weeks. Like you, they faced rumors and misinformation. But they saw through the smoke and mirrors and voted “yes” to form their union.
When companies try to persuade employees to oppose unionizing, it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s not. Below are the facts on some things mentioned in this newsletter.
You may hear the company say that “union dues will be hundreds of dollars a month.” THE TRUTH is that union dues with the United Steelworkers are 1.45% of your earnings. That equals $14.50 out of each $1,000 you earn. To see where dues money goes, go to usw.org/members/your-dues.
You may hear that if you unionize, you will be forced to go on strike. THE TRUTH is that you and your coworkers decide whether to go on strike. Strikes only work when everyone participates, so unless the vast majority of people are willing, you won’t go on strike. For more information, see jwj.org/strikes-101.
You may hear that the plant could close or move. THE TRUTH is that Hankook has invested billions into the plant in Clarksville, and it’s the only one in North America. They’re not going anywhere!
