An agreement reached between CMA-CGM Korea and its union has ended a period of difficult negotiations over wages. The signing ceremony, held at the company’s Seoul office on July 22, 2025, formalized the deal after previous rounds of talks had failed to produce results.
The agreement was signed by Lee Jae-Jin, President of the Korea Federation of Service Workers’ Unions (KFSWU), Yoon Jae-Woong, President of the CMA-CGM Korea Union, and Park Jae-Suh, CEO of CMA-CGM Korea.
Negotiations had stalled after five unsuccessful rounds and a failed mediation at the Seoul District Labour Commission. A strike vote saw ninety-seven percent support for industrial action if demands were not met. The union planned a mass rally for July 16 but called it off when confirmation came that core demands would be accepted.
In addition to wage issues, concerns arose during negotiations regarding an investigation into alleged workplace intimidation. CMA-CGM Korea had hired a law firm to look into complaints from three department heads against the union president. KFSWU President Lee Jae-Jin said at the ceremony: “I want to emphasize that we will not tolerate any action to pressure union leaders who were simply carrying out their duties, such as raising grievance matters with department heads. The company’s decision to bring in a firm with a reputation for union suppression caused unnecessary fear among workers. Brother Yoon Jae-Woong suffered greatly and had to seek medical treatment for stress.”
CMA-CGM Korea CEO Park Jae-Suh offered an apology and confirmed that the investigation was withdrawn.
The KFSWU stated that this agreement only covers the 2025 wage increase. Negotiations on a new collective agreement are scheduled for September, where both sides hope to create a joint grievance framework.
CMA-CGM Korea Union President Yoon Jae-Woong thanked supporting organizations: “We are grateful for the solidarity shown during this difficult period. We hope to build a more stable and respectful industrial relationship. Employees deserve to be treated with dignity and to take pride in being part of the CMA-CGM global family.”
Rajendra Acharya, UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Secretary, commented: “We congratulate the union for their successful outcome after months of effort. They stayed united and persevered despite the many obstacles they faced. We hope this agreement sets the stage for stronger dialogue and respect between workers and management.”
