Government and Cargo Solidarity Resume Talks... Final Attempt at Agreement in 5th Working-Level Meeting

Possibility of Resolution Through Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Proposes 3-Year Extension of Safety Freight Rate Sunset

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The government and the Cargo Solidarity are continuing the 5th round of practical talks on the 8th day of the general strike, attempting a last-minute settlement.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Cargo Solidarity began the 5th practical talks at 8 p.m. at the Uiwang Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Gyeonggi Province.

It is reported that the government and the Cargo Solidarity have reached a considerable level of consensus through behind-the-scenes negotiations, leading to expectations of a final agreement both inside and outside the negotiation venue.

The talks gained momentum when Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong visited Uiwang ICD and stated, "The door to dialogue is always open. Tonight is also possible."

After Minister Won’s visit to Uiwang ICD, the Cargo Solidarity proposed talks, which the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport accepted, making the dialogue possible. The practical talks were attended by the Ministry’s Logistics Policy Officer and the Cargo Solidarity’s Senior Vice Chairman, among others.

The Cargo Solidarity has been demanding the abolition of the sunset clause on the 'Safe Freight Rate System.' The Safe Freight Rate System was introduced to guarantee fair wages for cargo drivers but is set to be abolished at the end of this year due to a three-year sunset clause.

In the previous practical negotiations, the Ministry proposed a revised plan to extend the sunset clause of the Safe Freight Rate System by three years, and the Cargo Solidarity reportedly responded positively. It is also known that the Cargo Solidarity has stepped back from demanding an expansion of the Safe Freight Rate System to all vehicle types and cargo items, considering instead a demand for expansion to some vehicle types and cargo items.