HiteJinro, Five Union Members on Strike at Gangwon Factory Jump from Bridge... All Rescued

"Cargo Solidarity Gangwon Factory Sit-in... Police and Local Governments Must Act Proactively"
HiteJinro "Will Hold Accountable for Business Obstruction Acts"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Some members of the Cargo Solidarity, a union under the Public Transport Workers' Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, who have been protesting for three days in front of the HiteJinro Gangwon Brewery in Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon Province, jumped off a bridge but were immediately rescued by the 119 Water Rescue Team.

It is reported that they jumped off the bridge around 10:56 a.m. on the 4th while resisting the police who were trying to disperse the protest.

The 119 Water Rescue Team rescued all five members within seven minutes, around 11:03 a.m. Among the five who jumped, one was injured and transported to the hospital.

The police deployed about 1,000 officers from 12 riot squads that morning to disperse the union members protesting on the bridge and to tow some of the cargo trucks.

About 200 union members belonging to the Cargo Solidarity, who have been demanding an increase in transportation fees, have been protesting since the afternoon of the 2nd, mobilizing around 20 cargo trucks at the entrance roads of the HiteJinro Gangwon Brewery.

These union members are reportedly planning to continue the indefinite protest until their demands, including fare increases, are accepted.

In response, HiteJinro stated that they will hold those responsible for the business obstruction accountable.

HiteJinro pointed out, "More than 100 other truck owners, who have nothing to do with us, have been suffering since March due to the Cargo Solidarity. It is wrong to come to the Gangwon Brewery, which is unrelated, and disrupt operations."

They also rebutted, "The dismissed drivers had their contracts terminated by Suyang Logistics, and since they are not employees of HiteJinro, we cannot directly dismiss them."

Suyang Logistics is currently negotiating with cargo truck owners transporting soju from the Icheon and Cheongju plants. It is known that Suyang Logistics has presented a final proposal, including a 150% increase in holiday transportation fees demanded by the truck owners.

Suyang Logistics has stated that it will not hold responsible those truck owners who return to work by the 8th and will also explore work arrangements for truck owners affiliated with Myungmi International, whose contracts were terminated, if they wish to return.