Cargo Solidarity Strike Ends... Labor and Civic Groups "Must Watch Future Moves of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and National Assembly"

Negotiations Between Cargo Solidarity and Ministry of Land Settled on 14th... Safety Freight Rate System Extended
Labor Union "Welcome Negotiation Settlement... Government Must Take Responsibility for Firm Stance"
Civic Groups "Safety Freight Rate System Must Be Established... Will Monitor Legislative Process in National Assembly"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The Cargo Solidarity of the Public Transport Workers' Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) withdrew its general strike after 7 days and reached a compromise with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). While labor groups and civic organizations welcomed the agreement, they also stated that they need to closely watch the future actions of MOLIT and the National Assembly.

On the 14th, Cargo Solidarity and MOLIT held the 5th working-level dialogue at the Gyeonggi Uiwang Inland Container Depot (ICD) starting from 8 p.m. the previous day, concluding negotiations after about 2 hours and 40 minutes. They agreed to extend the Safe Freight Rate System, which was scheduled to end this year, and to discuss expanding the applicable items. Additionally, they plan to review the expansion of the fuel subsidy system to prevent damage to cargo workers caused by rising oil prices. Cargo Solidarity decided to immediately return to work.

Cargo Solidarity positively evaluated this agreement. The union stated, "We received a promise from MOLIT to continue discussions on the continuation of the Safe Freight Rate System and the expansion of applicable items," and added, "We urge the ruling party, the People Power Party, to also engage in dialogue with Cargo Solidarity." The fact that MOLIT agreed to actively cooperate to ensure that union members who participated in the strike will not face disadvantages upon returning to the field is also seen as a positive aspect by Cargo Solidarity.

The labor community expressed a welcoming stance. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) had declared support for the Cargo Solidarity general strike and urged MOLIT to resolve the situation. In a statement, KCTU said, "We respect and welcome the agreement achieved through the strength of Cargo Solidarity, cargo workers, and citizens who supported and united in the struggle," and added, "The government's hardline stance, including denial of labor rights, tough responses, and zero tolerance policies, escalated the situation and must be held accountable." A representative from the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) also said, "The Safe Freight Rate System is equivalent to a minimum wage for cargo workers, so it is fortunate that it has finally been settled," and noted, "There were indications during the strike that the Safe Freight Rate System was not properly observed, and these issues need to be corrected."

Civic groups welcomed the agreement but said they will continue to monitor the establishment of the Safe Freight Rate System. A representative from the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ) said, "The expansion of items under the Safe Freight Rate System is not yet finalized, so we need to watch closely," and explained, "If we truly consider the freight industry as the lifeblood of the country, we must move toward the long-term establishment of the Safe Freight Rate System, which addressed issues such as speeding and overloading." A representative from the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) also said, "The political circles, including MOLIT, the ruling party, and the opposition, bear responsibility for neglecting this issue until now," and added, "Related legislation must proceed smoothly in the National Assembly."