HiteJinro-Cargo Solidarity Conflict 'Half a Year'... How Long Will Negotiations Stalemate?

Negotiations Stall in 24th Round
Concerns Over Escalating Conflict Due to Political Interference
Disagreements Over Union Members' Reinstatement and Compensation Lawsuit
Police Issue Second Summons to Union Members Occupying Headquarters

The Cargo Solidarity of the Public Transport Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a rally on the 18th in front of the Hite Jinro headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, demanding the withdrawal of mass layoffs and damage compensation lawsuits by Hite Jinro. / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The conflict between Hite Jinro and the Cargo Solidarity of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has been ongoing for nearly half a year. With the differences between the two sides not easily narrowing, negotiations have also made little progress.

According to the industry on the 7th, Hite Jinro, its freight transportation subcontractor Suyang Logistics, and the Cargo Solidarity Hite Jinro branch have held a total of 24 rounds of negotiations until the day before, but have yet to find a point of agreement. Although some progress was made in parts of the dialogue, there are still significant differences regarding the reinstatement of union members whose contracts were terminated.

The Cargo Solidarity demands include an increase in transportation fees, reinstatement of the union members whose contracts were terminated, and withdrawal of the damage compensation lawsuits and injunctions for obstruction of business filed against union members. Suyang Logistics proposed reducing the number of terminated contracts from 12 to 7, but the Cargo Solidarity is demanding full reinstatement.

As negotiations face difficulties, concerns are rising that the conflict could escalate with external interventions such as from the political sphere. The occupation protest is still ongoing. Previously, Cargo Solidarity union members had occupied the lobby and rooftop of the Hite Jinro headquarters building since June 16, but lifted the lobby occupation on June 24 after Hite Jinro agreed to participate in negotiations as an observer. The rooftop occupation protest continues. The banner hung on the rooftop was temporarily taken down in preparation for Typhoon Hinnamnor (Typhoon No. 11) but has since been restored.

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, who have occupied the Hite Jinro headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, a banner with their demands is hung on the exterior wall of the building. / Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

The Cargo Solidarity is criticizing Hite Jinro for filing damage compensation lawsuits against 11 union members on June 17 and subsequently filing additional lawsuits against 14 other union members for the same claims. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a rally with about 1,300 participants in front of the headquarters on May 31, condemning the company and demanding withdrawal of the damage compensation lawsuits.

Separately, criminal proceedings are underway against the union members who occupied the headquarters. On May 17, Hite Jinro filed complaints with the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul against Cargo Solidarity union members occupying the headquarters on charges including obstruction of business, special trespassing, refusal to vacate, attempted arson of a building, and violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act. The complainants were questioned the following day. The police reportedly issued a second summons earlier this month to some union members.

About 130 truck owners affiliated with Suyang Logistics joined the Cargo Solidarity under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions at the end of March and began partial strikes, escalating to a full strike in June. They held multiple rallies at the Icheon, Cheongju, and Gangwon Hongcheon plants. During the rallies, truck blockades at factory entrances prevented internal access, causing several shipment suspensions at each plant.