Our 13-year struggle
No Worker No Music, No Music No Life:
A brief summary: Cort-Guitar workers' fight against injustice for 13 years.
Guitar players all over the world have appreciated beautiful music pieces created by Cort-Guitar workers’
craftsmanship; however, not all recognize the workers’ cruel reality at work. Cort-Guitar workers had been
building guitars in such poor working conditions, dust-filled factories with no windows. In fact, the workers’
pain and sacrifice have made it possible for the Cort Guitar to be world-class status, and ranking it among the
top companies in Korea
However, in 2007, the Cort-Guitar workers were suddenly fired without notice when they formed a labor union
asking for adequate working conditions. The company owner moved out all equipment, ignoring the demand of
workers. Since then the workers began a long fight against such unfair dismissal, shouting “No Worker No
Music, No Music No Life!” on the streets to defend their rights.
The CEO, PARK Young-ho built another guitar factory, Cor-Tek in Daejeon in 1991. He called it the dream
factory, because it was the place where he could fulfill his dream of ‘No Union, Minimum wage and Maximum
Profit.’ Workers at the new factory worked for 11 hours per day without a day off. The workplace was always
full of sawdust and smelled of organic solvent because it didn't have a single window. Park believed that having
windows would allow workers to look out and let their mind wonder. Further, female workers were exposed to
abusive language, and sexual harassment and received less payment. Under such poor working conditions, the
workers had to form unions to protect themselves. (See attached file for more information.)
Since the dismissal, the workers have carried out the longest battle in Korea against injustice - 13 years to date.
The workers have tried everything since they got laid off. In 2009 and 2011, they even visited several music
trade shows in Japan, Germany, and the U.S to raise their voices. They even formed a music band and sang their
stories on the streets. In a stunning case of abuse of power, the Korean Supreme Court threw out the workers’
second trial, as a now-former judge allegedly struck a deal with ex-Korean president Park Geun-hye, who was
impeached and sent to prison for multiple crimes.
Perhaps most inspiring are the number of artists, religious leaders and citizens that have stood by the guitar
workers. Notable music artists like Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Boots Riley, The Coup, Wayne
Kramer, MG5, Zack de la Rocha, and Ozomatli have held concerts in solidarity of workers’ rights. American
musician and political activist, Tom Morello said, “Guitars should be a means to liberation, not exploitation. I
fully support the Korean workers’ demands for justice in the workplace.” Many writers and film industry
professionals have also told stories about the workers with their own art work. Citizens from all over the country
have accompanied the workers at numerous events.
Despite the outpouring of support around the world, the management at Cort Guitar hasn't budged. For workers
there is one last desperate choice: to protest with a hunger strike. It's time to end the sufferings of the workers.
A brief summary: Cort-Guitar workers' fight against injustice for 13 years.
Guitar players all over the world have appreciated beautiful music pieces created by Cort-Guitar workers’
craftsmanship; however, not all recognize the workers’ cruel reality at work. Cort-Guitar workers had been
building guitars in such poor working conditions, dust-filled factories with no windows. In fact, the workers’
pain and sacrifice have made it possible for the Cort Guitar to be world-class status, and ranking it among the
top companies in Korea
However, in 2007, the Cort-Guitar workers were suddenly fired without notice when they formed a labor union
asking for adequate working conditions. The company owner moved out all equipment, ignoring the demand of
workers. Since then the workers began a long fight against such unfair dismissal, shouting “No Worker No
Music, No Music No Life!” on the streets to defend their rights.
The CEO, PARK Young-ho built another guitar factory, Cor-Tek in Daejeon in 1991. He called it the dream
factory, because it was the place where he could fulfill his dream of ‘No Union, Minimum wage and Maximum
Profit.’ Workers at the new factory worked for 11 hours per day without a day off. The workplace was always
full of sawdust and smelled of organic solvent because it didn't have a single window. Park believed that having
windows would allow workers to look out and let their mind wonder. Further, female workers were exposed to
abusive language, and sexual harassment and received less payment. Under such poor working conditions, the
workers had to form unions to protect themselves. (See attached file for more information.)
Since the dismissal, the workers have carried out the longest battle in Korea against injustice - 13 years to date.
The workers have tried everything since they got laid off. In 2009 and 2011, they even visited several music
trade shows in Japan, Germany, and the U.S to raise their voices. They even formed a music band and sang their
stories on the streets. In a stunning case of abuse of power, the Korean Supreme Court threw out the workers’
second trial, as a now-former judge allegedly struck a deal with ex-Korean president Park Geun-hye, who was
impeached and sent to prison for multiple crimes.
Perhaps most inspiring are the number of artists, religious leaders and citizens that have stood by the guitar
workers. Notable music artists like Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Boots Riley, The Coup, Wayne
Kramer, MG5, Zack de la Rocha, and Ozomatli have held concerts in solidarity of workers’ rights. American
musician and political activist, Tom Morello said, “Guitars should be a means to liberation, not exploitation. I
fully support the Korean workers’ demands for justice in the workplace.” Many writers and film industry
professionals have also told stories about the workers with their own art work. Citizens from all over the country
have accompanied the workers at numerous events.
Despite the outpouring of support around the world, the management at Cort Guitar hasn't budged. For workers
there is one last desperate choice: to protest with a hunger strike. It's time to end the sufferings of the workers.