Deployment of Over 600 Experienced Personnel
Review of Charges for Trespassing and Business Interference in Joint Buildings
Company Reviews Legal Grounds for Complaints and Prosecutions
On the 18th, the police were on guard around the building as the Cargo Solidarity of the Public Transport Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) continued their protest for the third day, occupying the Hite Jinro headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@
[Asia Economy Reporters Jang Sehee and Song Seungyun] Members of the Cargo Solidarity Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Public Transport Workers' Union have occupied the headquarters of HiteJinro, and a large-scale rally with about 1,000 participants is scheduled for this afternoon.
According to the police on the 18th, the union reported to the police that they would hold a rally at 2 p.m. with 1,000 participants to demand the withdrawal of collective dismissal and damage compensation lawsuits by HiteJinro. Since they announced plans to occupy three lanes in front of the headquarters, it is expected to cause traffic congestion and inconvenience to citizens.
A police official said, "The rally is currently reported to have 1,000 participants, but it is difficult to predict the actual number. There are variables, so we plan to approach the situation with maximum caution."
About 600 Police Officers Deployed on Site... Police Reviewing Charges of Trespassing and Obstruction of Business
At 2 p.m., when the large-scale rally is scheduled, about 600 police officers are expected to respond on site. As of the morning, 240 officers from four riot police units have already been deployed.
About 70 Cargo Solidarity Union members have been illegally occupying and protesting at the HiteJinro headquarters building in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul for three days. They are blocking the main entrance to prevent entry into the building and have also occupied the lobby and rooftop. Because of this, employees are currently entering and leaving through the back door. It is estimated that about 10 people are currently on the rooftop. Banners with demands such as "Crush Union Suppression," "Withdraw Damage Compensation and Seizure," and "Reinstate All Dismissed Workers" are still hanging on the building’s exterior walls.
Gangnam Police Station is reviewing the possibility of applying charges of trespassing and obstruction of business against the union. A police official stated, "Apart from forced dispersal, we need to examine their occupation protest later. We are legally reviewing the possibility of applying charges of trespassing and obstruction of business."
On the 18th, the third day of the protest by the Cargo Solidarity of the Public Transport Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), a large banner with their demands was hung on the exterior wall of the Hite Jinro headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, which they have occupied. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@
Large-Scale Rallies Expected to Continue for the Time Being... Company Considering Legal Action
The protest is expected to be prolonged due to difficulties in negotiations between the union and HiteJinro. Lee Jinsoo, deputy head of the Daejeon regional headquarters, told reporters, "This action is to accurately inform the current situation," and added, "The large-scale rallies will continue until negotiations are concluded."
The Cargo Solidarity Union demands that HiteJinro actively resolve the issue, citing that Suyang Logistics is a 100% subsidiary of HiteJinro. However, HiteJinro maintains that under subcontracting law, the headquarters cannot directly intervene in employment issues.
Regarding the union’s claim that the company terminated contracts of 132 cargo workers, HiteJinro issued a statement the previous day rebutting, "It has been confirmed that Suyang Logistics terminated contracts of 12 people, not 130, excluding 12 cooperative carriers who showed no intention to perform duties and those involved in illegal activities." Regarding the union’s claim that transportation fees have remained the same for 15 years, HiteJinro explained, "The transportation fees were set after cost analysis in consultation with truck owners when the fuel price linkage system was applied, composed of 45% fuel costs and 55% non-fuel costs. Since the application of the fuel price linkage system in 2011, the transportation fee (excluding fuel costs) has increased by 26.36% over 10 years, while consumer price inflation was 14.08%, and fuel costs are reflected quarterly."
Meanwhile, the company plans to take legal action regarding the occupation protest regardless of negotiations. A HiteJinro official said, "We requested evacuation, but it was not complied with, and work such as commuting and meetings is not proceeding smoothly," adding, "We will review the legal possibility of filing complaints and lawsuits."
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