On Thursday, November 24 four Han Young workers began a liquid-only hunger strike to press their demand for recognition of the union of their choice. Both of these Korean-owned operations are near Tijuana, Mexico. Because Han Young produces exclusively for Hyundai, under Mexican law Hyundai is responsible for violations of the labor code by Han Young management. Due to the decline of the peso, their real wages are only a third of what they were four years ago.
Workers suffer loss of vision, burns, poisoning from toxic fumes and broken bones.
Han Young workers have been represented by the CROC union, tied to the ruling PRI party in Mexico. Han Young management have fired 12 workers because of their support for the union and have clearly stated their intention to fire and replace their entire pro-union workforce. Hyundai has threatened to pull its operations from Tijuana if the independent union is recognized. On October 25, the Support Committee for Maquiladora Workers called for a boycott of Hyundai Motors, the division of Hyundai which is vulnerable to consumer pressure. Activists in more than 25 U.S. cities have organized leafleting actions at Hyundai car dealerships and other venues.