Cargo Solidarity Union Disbands After 33-Hour Sit-in in Front of Cheongju SPC Factory... Police Warn of "Strict Punishment"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] About 300 members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Cargo Solidarity, who gathered in front of the SPC Samlip Cheongju Factory in Songjeong-dong, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju City, and continued an overnight sit-in protest, mostly dispersed after two days.

According to the police on the 24th, the KCTU Cargo Solidarity assembled here from 6 a.m. the previous day, continuing the protest to demand the protection of cargo workers' rights. After 33 hours of sit-in, about 300 members dispersed, leaving only around 30 remaining. The dispersed members reportedly moved to protest sites in their respective regions such as Sejong.

When members gathered the previous day, the police issued a dispersal order under the Assembly and Demonstration Act and the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. However, the members obstructed the entry and exit of cargo trucks within the Cheongju factory, leading to clashes with the police. The police plan to respond strictly by identifying those involved in illegal acts based on evidence such as recorded materials and considering legal action.

The Cargo Solidarity began refusing to transport bread and ingredients in the Honam region on the 2nd and expanded nationwide from midnight on the 15th. They are demanding additional vehicles and adjustments to delivery routes to improve excessive workloads.

During this process, members blocked substitute delivery vehicles and engaged in physical confrontations with the police, resulting in some being booked for obstruction of business and other charges.