Industry: "Cargo Solidarity Strike Must End... Negative Impact on National Economy"
"Damage Realized... Daily Shipment Volume at 10% of Normal"
On the afternoon of the 10th, the fourth day of the general strike by the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters of the Public Transport Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, Cargo Solidarity union members held a rally to resolve to win the general strike in front of the Kia Motors production plant in Seo-gu, Gwangju. (Image source=Yonhap News)
[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The strike by the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters of the Public Transport Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has entered its sixth day, causing shipments in the petrochemical industry to drop to about 10% of normal levels.
On the 12th, the Petrochemical Industry Association urged the Cargo Solidarity to halt the strike, stating this situation. According to the industry, due to the Cargo Solidarity's collective refusal to transport and occupation of industrial complex routes, sites in Ulsan, Yeosu, and Daesan are experiencing difficulties in receiving raw materials and shipping products. As a result, daily shipment volumes have fallen to about 10% compared to the usual 74,000 tons.
On the first day of the strike, the 7th, four striking workers who blocked cargo vehicle passage in the Ulsan petrochemical complex and clashed with police were arrested, and since then, various clashes have continued across domestic petrochemical complexes.
Although companies have advanced shipment schedules and pre-shipped some quantities in preparation for the Cargo Solidarity strike, they acknowledge that prolonged strikes will inevitably cause disruptions. Because of this, some companies are worried not only about sales and export losses but also about factory shutdowns. If the strike continues, shutdowns will be unavoidable, and the risk of safety accidents during the restart process may increase.
The association stated, "If the operation of petrochemical plants supplying basic materials is halted, it will have a detrimental effect on the entire national economy," and urged, "The Cargo Solidarity must immediately stop the collective refusal to transport and return to transportation."
Meanwhile, as the Cargo Solidarity has announced plans to block logistics for semiconductor raw materials, the semiconductor industry is growing increasingly concerned about the strike. On the 9th, striking workers affiliated with the Cargo Solidarity held a propaganda campaign near LS Nikko Dongjeon and Korea Zinc’s Ulsan plant, which produce high-purity sulfuric acid necessary for semiconductor cleaning, announcing their refusal to transport.
However, semiconductor manufacturers are reported to have secured raw material inventories in advance in preparation for this strike, so they have not yet been directly affected.
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