[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] The Cargo Solidarity of the Public Transport Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has announced an indefinite full strike starting at midnight on the 7th, while the government stated its position to take strict measures according to law and principles.
According to the Office for Government Policy Coordination on the 6th, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo chaired a meeting of ministers in charge of government affairs at the Seoul Government Complex the previous afternoon and said regarding the Cargo Solidarity's collective refusal to transport, "We will respond to illegal acts that obstruct transportation according to law and principles."
Prime Minister Han expressed concern, saying, "If the refusal to transport is enforced, logistics disruptions cannot be avoided," and "It will impose a heavy burden on our economy and the people." He added, "If the collective refusal to transport announced by Cargo Solidarity spreads, there are concerns that serious economic damage such as a decline in external credibility, disruptions in import and export cargo logistics, and increased inconvenience to the public will worsen amid the difficult economic situation."
Prime Minister Han said, "The government is continuously discussing the main demands of Cargo Solidarity centered on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and is preparing emergency transportation measures to minimize damage in case of collective refusal to transport," and urged, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport should listen carefully to Cargo Solidarity's demands and do its best to find solutions." He also instructed all ministries to thoroughly prepare emergency measures in anticipation of the situation's escalation.
If Cargo Solidarity enters a full strike, it will be the first large-scale strike since the inauguration of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. It is also a test to gauge the direction of the new government's labor policy.
Cargo Solidarity is currently demanding ▲abolition of the sunset clause on the safe freight rate system ▲expansion of the safe freight rate system to all vehicle types and items ▲measures to address rapid fuel price increases ▲abolition of the consignment system ▲guarantee of basic labor rights. The safe freight rate system is a system that imposes fines on consignors if freight rates lower than the safe freight rate are paid. It was introduced as a three-year sunset system (2020?2022) and is set to expire on December 31.
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