A typical one month salary in Korea is one million won per month even if people have worked for 10 years. Employees at Homeplus are earning wages like that. Homeplus hasn’t paid their workers a fair wage, despite the fact that the company is a major firm. E-mart also has its problems. It was reported that
the company began examining employee lockers. It is clear that while companies have achieved significant gains, the salary and welfare of employees has not improved.

In the case of Homeplus, their operating income increased by 73.8 percent and the sales increased 18.1 percent from 2007 to 2012. However, the wage of the temporary workers only increased by 18.1% or to 5,450 won per hour. Their wages increased much slower since they entered the company. A labor union discovered that some workers received a salary of less than one million won a month. The company did not provide for employee welfare as well as a fair salary.

E-mart, a major supermarket like Homeplus, also has its problems. The company examined workers’ bags and personal for theft. The company then examined the lockers of employees instead of their bags, after the workers protested the unjust
treatment. Is such behavior fair?

What would happen if the company doesn’t take action to solve these problems? Conflicts between companies and workers are contributing factor to workers calling a strike, thus bringing damages to corporate operations. Furthermore, the
disharmony between workers and management brings a negative image to a corporation, affecting the preferences of consumers.

How can the consumers concerning the corporation have confidence and continue to buy their products? These corporations should make an effort to solve their problems. Unlike what they have done so far, they should fix wage problems after consultating with the labor union. They should find a comprise even though it takes a long time. The company should also consider workers’ rights and communicate more openly with the labor union. In doing so, the company can grow through the efforts of their satisfied workers. The labor union of Homeplus entered into wage negotiations with the company. However, the negotiations broke down because the company was not bargaining in good faith. This situation should no longer happen. If employees are satisfied with their work, their efficiency will increase, helping the company earn a large profit.

Companies like Homeplus and E-mart need to recognize their problems and make a serious effort to solve them. The company should guarantee appropriate living wages and the human rights of their employees. “Happy employees help develop their company. The wage of workers is similar to a minimum wage while executives take a high salary. How can employees have loyalty and make an effort?” an employee asked. Companies that play an important role in our society
should practice good management.