'누적 25만 대' 광주글로벌모터스…'시즌 2' 과제는? (뉴스투데이 2026.7.20 광주MBC)

(Anchor) The cumulative production volume of Gwangju Global Motors (GGM), the nation's first mutually beneficial regional job creation initiative, has surpassed 250,000 units. However, with the deadline for the mutual cooperation agreement—achieving a cumulative total of 350,000 units—just two years away, a new agreement is being called for to ensure the company becomes sustainable. Reporter Lee Jae-won reports. (Reporter) The assembly plant at Gwangju Global Motors, where finished vehicles pour out without a break. To meet the flood of orders for electric vehicles and export cars, the factory operates non-stop even amidst the scorching heat. Among the workers sweating in the intense heat is a newcomer who joined the company earlier this year after overcoming a high competition rate of 34 to 1. This is an employee newly hired to boost production from 26.7 units per hour to 29.5 units. Park Sung-woo / GGM New Employee "I feel incredibly proud that a car is completed through the sweat and effort I put into this Casper vehicle we are building..." Gwangju Global Motors, which made its debut in September 2021, has surpassed 250,000 units in cumulative production in just four years and ten months. Locals from the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions account for 96% of the total workforce, and the average annual salary for technical staff, which was in the 30 million won range during the initial stages of operation, is on the verge of surpassing 50 million won for the first time this year. With improved working conditions, the turnover rate has remained at around 0.5% this year, earning a passing grade for job security as well. However, a heavy challenge lies ahead for GGM, which is sailing smoothly. This is because the target date for achieving '350,000 cumulative units in production'—the benchmark for maintaining fair wages and suspending disputes—is approaching in early 2028. With cracks recently beginning to appear in the labor-management cooperation agreement, there are growing calls to proactively prepare a new model for mutually beneficial jobs. Kim Min-jong / Head of Management Support Division, Gwangju Global Motors "I believe labor-management issues will be the biggest problem. We believe that achieving good consultations between labor and management to quickly resolve the current situation is the key to securing the greatest competitive edge." For Gwangju Global Motors, establishing an annual production system of 200,000 units and securing orders for new vehicle models are essential for sustainable factory operations. It is time for a new cooperation agreement to reset appropriate wages and enhance welfare benefits. This is Lee Jae-won for MBC News. #GGM #GwangjuGlobalMotors #Casper #CumulativeProduction