KCCI "Swift and Strict Response Needed to Illegal Actions of Cargo Solidarity"

The Cargo Solidarity of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union (KPTU) held a rally on the 18th in front of the Hite Jinro headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, demanding the withdrawal of collective layoffs and damage compensation lawsuits by Hite Jinro. /Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The Korea Employers Federation (KEF) expressed concern over the announcement by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Cargo Solidarity Union of a rally scheduled for the 31st.

In a statement released on the 30th, KEF said, "Since June 2, the KCTU Cargo Solidarity Union has collectively refused to transport alcoholic beverages for nearly three months, continuously engaging in illegal acts such as obstructing transportation. Since August 16, they have been illegally occupying the rooftop of the HiteJinro headquarters," adding, "Despite the prolonged illegal activities, they have announced a rally on the 31st."

They continued, "The core issue is the illegal acts of the Cargo Solidarity Union, and the responsibility lies with them. Nevertheless, the labor sector is misleading the public as if the main issues are ‘claims for damages’ and ‘contract termination’ resulting from these illegal acts, shifting the blame for illegal activities onto companies."

KEF criticized, "Some political circles have visited the protest sites multiple times, making autonomous resolution within the framework of law and principles difficult, or have submitted bills to limit claims for damages, seemingly attempting to reduce accountability for illegal acts."

They further warned, "Such misguided political interference in labor-management issues raises the expectations of the labor sector, prolongs the situation, and will spread the wrongful practice of ‘enforcing demands through intimidation and illegal acts’ that has become widespread in industrial sites."

KEF emphasized, "The new government has highlighted the establishment of legal order in industrial sites as a key task of labor reform," and argued, "To this end, it is necessary to actively consider prompt responses to illegal acts and strict law enforcement."