Construction unions threaten strike action over foreign labor permits

Construction trade unions PEO, SEK, and DEOK have expressed strong opposition to the Ministry of Labor’s decision to renew work permits for third-country nationals employed by contractors and subcontractors accused of violating labor laws and collective agreements. The unions warn of dynamic industrial action, including potential strikes, if their demands regarding the enforcement of labor regulations are not addressed.

Demanding stricter oversight, the unions have called for the immediate re-establishment of technical committees that include both labor and employer representatives to assess all permit applications. They specifically demand that permits be denied to employers who have been officially reported for breaching contracts or labor statutes, and they are seeking a review or potential cancellation of existing permits for non-compliant firms. The unions argue that the ministry must ensure full compliance before authorizing any foreign labor, particularly for public projects funded by taxpayers.

While both unions and contractors acknowledge that a labor shortage currently affects the construction sector, they remain at odds over the management of foreign workforce integration. The unions maintain that current practices threaten job stability and established labor standards, and they continue to pressure the authorities for tighter workplace inspections and more rigorous application of existing regulations.