[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] As the Cargo Solidarity has announced a general strike starting from the 24th on the condition of 'abolishing the sunset clause of the Safe Freight Rate System,' Sung Il-jong, the Policy Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, raised his voice on the 22nd, saying, "They must withdraw the baseless strike plan."
Chairman Sung said at an emergency party-government meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "We always listen to and negotiate legitimate demands, but we will never tolerate illegal strikes and baseless threats to the public."
He stated, "The Cargo Solidarity is demanding the abolition of the sunset clause of the Safe Freight Rate System and the expansion of vehicle types and cargo items," adding, "The demands for expanding vehicle types and cargo items are irresponsible acts that go beyond the Cargo Solidarity's role. They should not selfishly seek profits by holding the public and national industries hostage to grow their organization."
He also emphasized that discussions regarding the extension of the sunset clause are possible in the National Assembly. Chairman Sung said, "Several bills concerning the sunset clause have already been submitted to the National Assembly," and "Any discussions on ways to preserve the rights and interests of Cargo Solidarity drivers are possible."
He said, "If the strike occurs as announced in 16 regions nationwide, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Chungnam, and Pohang, the nationwide losses caused will be enormous, incomparable to previous strikes," adding, "We will never tolerate actions that hold the public hostage to stop South Korea or cause massive damage to the economy."
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