[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] In response to the Cargo Solidarity's announcement of an indefinite collective transport refusal starting from the 24th, the government has expressed its intention to strictly respond to illegal actions in accordance with law and principles.
On the 22nd, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo presented the "Government Position and Response Plan Regarding Cargo Solidarity's Collective Transport Refusal" at the Government Seoul Office, attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho and other relevant ministers.
Prime Minister Han stated, "The Cargo Solidarity's transport refusal will cause irreparable damage to the national economy beyond just logistics paralysis," expressing concern that "disruptions in export-import transport, as well as serious production setbacks in key national industries such as steel, automobiles, and petrochemicals, cannot be avoided."
He continued, "In the worst case, this could lead to the collapse of the logistics system, lowering the external credibility of our industries and even threatening global competitiveness." He urged the Cargo Solidarity to "immediately withdraw the transport refusal policy and return to the dialogue table."
The government explained that the issue of extending the Safe Freight Rate System, which the Cargo Solidarity cites as the reason for the collective transport refusal, is already under discussion primarily in the National Assembly.
Prime Minister Han emphasized, "The institutional improvements to the Safe Freight Rate System claimed by the Cargo Solidarity should be resolved through dialogue and compromise," adding, "The government respects the ongoing discussions in the National Assembly and will engage in dialogue while adhering to principles."
Nonetheless, if the Cargo Solidarity proceeds with the strike, the government confirmed its plan to respond firmly according to law and principles. Prime Minister Han said, "The government will listen to demands on the ground and engage in dialogue, but will not tolerate any acts that violate laws and principles under any circumstances," and added, "We will take all necessary measures without any leniency against illegal transport refusals or transport obstruction."
Furthermore, he stated, "The government will ensure that related ministries work together to implement emergency transport measures without fail to minimize logistics disruptions caused by the collective transport refusal," and added, "To minimize industrial damage, we will deploy alternative transport vehicles, secure additional cargo loading space, and mobilize all available resources including product shipment."
Regarding the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Public Transport Union's expansion of strikes to subways and railways following the Cargo Solidarity's collective transport refusal, Prime Minister Han urged wise judgment, saying, "If a solidarity general strike overlaps amid difficult economic conditions, irreparable damage to our economy is expected."
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