Cargo Solidarity Union holding a publicity campaign in front of Hyundai Motor Ulsan Plant [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] As of the morning of the 11th, the fifth day of the general strike by the Cargo Solidarity (Hwamul Yeondae) of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Public Transport Workers' Union, it has been confirmed that 43 union members were taken into police custody on-site for illegal activities. It is known that the police have arrested two of them on serious charges and are investigating.
According to the National Police Agency, from midnight on the 7th when the Cargo Solidarity began the general strike until noon on the 11th, 43 people were arrested on the spot on charges including obstruction of business. Until the morning of the previous day, 30 people had been arrested, but 13 more were arrested in one day, including six who were taken into custody for injuring police officers at Busan New Port Samgeori in the morning of that day. By region, Gyeonggi Nambu had the highest number with 22, followed by Busan 8, Gwangju 1, Ulsan 4, Chungnam 6, and Jeonnam 2.
Earlier, on the 5th, Prime Minister Han Deok-su stated at the National Affairs Inspection Meeting with related ministers that while the exercise of rights permitted by law regarding the Cargo Solidarity general strike would be firmly protected, illegal acts would be strictly punished as a government principle. Under this policy, the police have continuously emphasized on-site arrests and punishments of illegal actors. National Police Chief Kim Chang-ryong also emphasized to staff through internal orders on the first day of the general strike that there would be an "immediate response policy to illegal acts."
On the first day of the general strike, the police first arrested four union members on charges of obstructing cargo vehicle traffic and injuring riot police officers at the Ulsan Petrochemical Complex. On the 8th, 15 people were arrested on the spot for obstructing business in front of the Hite Jinro Gyeonggi Icheon plant.
The police have released a significant number of the arrested union members on the same day and plan to conduct future investigations without detention. However, two union members with serious charges, including assaulting police officers and leading such acts, are reportedly under detention investigation. The union members currently secured by arrest warrants issued by the court include executives of the Cargo Solidarity Ulsan headquarters and the branch chief of Hite Jinro.
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