Cargo Solidarity Strike Enters Third Day, Cement Industry Suffers 45.8 Billion Won Loss

"Most Ready-Mix Concrete Companies in the Seoul Metropolitan Area Use Cement Floors"

On the morning of the 9th, at a cement factory in Danyang, Chungbuk, attempts to ship packaged cement were blocked by members of the Cargo Solidarity Union. The vehicle eventually gave up on shipping and returned inside the factory.
[Photo by Korea Cement Association]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] On the third day of the general strike by the Cargo Solidarity of the Public Transport Workers' Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the cement industry recorded a cumulative loss of 45.8 billion KRW on the 9th.

The Korea Cement Association reported that on the third day of the Cargo Solidarity general strike, cement shipments amounted to 18,800 tons, an increase of 5,140 tons from 13,660 tons the previous day.

A representative from the Cement Association said, "Although it is fortunate that shipments increased even by a small amount, the volume is limited to the Chungcheong region and parts of Yeongho and Nam regions," adding, "Unless shipments from production plants and major distribution bases normalize, the supply of cement to the ready-mixed concrete industry and construction sites will not improve. The situation will be especially severe in the Seoul metropolitan area."

On this day, cement shipments were halted at all regional distribution bases, including the Seoul metropolitan area. The Cargo Solidarity held rallies at production plants (Danyang, Jecheon, Yeongwol, Ok-gye) and distribution bases (Uiwang, Susaek, Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Mokpo, etc.), foregoing shipments. Even at plants where rallies were not held, vehicle operations were stopped due to anticipated threats from Cargo Solidarity members against vehicles operated by non-Cargo Solidarity union members.

The scale of losses is estimated as follows: under normal circumstances, about 180,000 tons should be shipped, but only 18,800 tons were shipped, leaving approximately 161,200 tons unshipped, equivalent to about 15 billion KRW. The total loss over the three days of the strike is estimated at 45.8 billion KRW.

A Cement Association official stated, "It is understood that most ready-mixed concrete companies in the Seoul metropolitan area have run out of cement today," adding, "Due to the Cargo Solidarity strike, there is chaos at the sites due to cement shortages, but ironically, production plants are overflowing with cement, and we fear a situation where production pressure will inevitably increase."