Yoon on Cargo Solidarity Transport Refusal: "Holding Logistics System Hostage... The Public Will Not Tolerate"

President Yoon "We have no choice but to consider work commencement orders"
Acts of harassing colleagues participating in normal operations, violent acts... Strict response to all illegal activities announced

On the 24th, when the Cargo Solidarity Union began an indefinite general strike, members of the union held a send-off ceremony near the Uiwang Inland Container Terminal in Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 24th, President Yoon Suk-yeol warned regarding the indefinite general strike by the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union (Cargo Solidarity), stating, "In a national crisis situation, holding the logistics system hostage will not be tolerated by the people." In this context, President Yoon emphasized that he will begin reviewing measures such as work commencement orders.

Through a Facebook message on the same day, President Yoon stated, "While the people, companies, and government are united and focused on overcoming the crisis, Cargo Solidarity has launched an indefinite collective transportation refusal."

President Yoon explained recent government and private sector efforts to boost exports, including export strategy meetings, emphasizing, "The complex global crisis we face must be overcome head-on through export promotion."

He continued, "While the people, companies, and government are united and focused on overcoming the crisis, Cargo Solidarity has launched an indefinite collective transportation refusal," adding, "If the irresponsible transportation refusal continues, the government will have no choice but to consider various measures, including work commencement orders."

President Yoon particularly pointed out, "Blocking the entry and exit of other vehicles and harassing colleagues who are participating in normal operations is an act of violence that tramples on others' freedom," and warned, "All illegal actions such as regional transportation refusals and transportation obstruction will be strictly dealt with according to law and principles."

He further warned again, "I want to make it clear that nothing can be gained through illegal violence."

Members of the Cargo Solidarity union held send-off ceremonies at 16 logistics hubs nationwide and began an indefinite suspension of operations. They are demanding the abolition of the sunset clause on the Safe Freight Rate System and an expansion of applicable items.

The Safe Freight Rate System is the minimum transportation fee set by the government to prevent cargo truck drivers from overworking. It was introduced with a three-year sunset clause and is set to expire at the end of this year.