Gyeonggi-do Elevates 'Emergency Transport Countermeasures Headquarters' Following Cargo Solidarity Strike

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province elevated its 'Emergency Transport Countermeasures Headquarters' on the 7th in response to the indefinite general strike initiated by the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters of the Public Transport Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.

On the 5th, following the issuance of a crisis alert at the 'Caution (Yellow)' level, the province formed an emergency transport countermeasures headquarters consisting of three teams: the General Team, Transport Team, and Public Relations Team, led by the Director of the Provincial Railroad and Port Logistics Bureau. However, as the government raised the alert to the 'Warning (Orange)' level, the head of the headquarters was reassigned to the 2nd Deputy Governor for Administration.

With this elevation, the province plans to implement measures including monitoring regional trends around three key protected facilities (Uiwang ICD, Pyeongtaek Port, Gunpo Complex Logistics Terminal), promoting and simplifying procedures for permits for paid transportation using private vehicles, and towing illegally abandoned vehicles using locksmiths and tow trucks.

The province is also supporting frontline cities and counties to facilitate the issuance of permits for paid transportation using private vehicles.

Owners or transport companies possessing general cargo trucks (cargo trucks) with a maximum load capacity of 8 tons or more and tractor-type special vehicles can apply at their nearest city, county, or district office to receive a permit, allowing them to conduct paid transportation business from the 7th to the 13th.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport issued a 'Caution' alert on the 30th of last month following the resolution for a general strike assembly, and a 'Warning' alert at 4 p.m. on the 6th, the day before the general strike. If the transport refusal spreads nationwide, the alert will be raised to 'Severe.'

According to the National Crisis Management Manual, the crisis levels for paralysis of land freight transport functions are classified as Attention (Blue), Caution (Yellow), Warning (Orange), and Severe (Red).