[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] The Cargo Solidarity of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Public Transport Workers' Union announced on the 6th that it will launch a general strike starting at midnight on the 7th.
The Cargo Solidarity expects that most of the 25,000 union members and a significant number of non-union cargo workers from 16 regional headquarters nationwide will participate in this general strike.
The Cargo Solidarity has warned of a general strike demanding the withdrawal of the abolition of the "Safe Freight Rate System," which was introduced as a sunset clause along with the amendment of the Freight Truck Transportation Business Act in 2018.
The Safe Freight Rate System, introduced to guarantee appropriate wages for cargo drivers and prevent overwork, overloading, and speeding, is a system that imposes fines on consignors who pay freight rates lower than the safe freight rate, which is the minimum freight necessary to ensure traffic safety.
It was implemented for three years from 2020 to 2022 and is scheduled to be abolished at the end of this year.
The Cargo Solidarity has argued for the expansion of the Safe Freight Rate System, stating that it is difficult to maintain livelihoods without it due to the soaring diesel prices.
In addition, the Cargo Solidarity has demanded an increase in transportation fees, abolition of the consignment system and structural reform of the cargo transportation industry, expansion of basic labor rights, and protection of cargo workers' rights.
The police have stated their intention to respond strictly to any illegal activities by Cargo Solidarity union members.
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