Eom Myeong-so, 2nd Vice Minister of Land, "Reviewing Practical Measures for Cargo Solidarity Work Commencement Order"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] As the Cargo Solidarity general strike enters its second day, the government has begun a practical review to issue a work commencement order.

Oh Myung-so, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, held an emergency press briefing at the Government Sejong Complex on the 25th, stating, "This is the first time since the Roh Moo-hyun administration in 2003 that Cargo Solidarity has collectively refused transportation twice in one year," and added, "We are conducting an in-depth review of the requirements for issuing a work commencement order."

Following President Yoon Seok-yeol's statement the previous evening that "if the irresponsible transportation refusal continues, the government will have no choice but to consider various measures, including issuing a work commencement order," the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the relevant department, also mentioned a practical review and indicated the possibility of implementation.

He also said, "This is the first time since the Roh Moo-hyun administration that Cargo Solidarity has collectively refused transportation twice in one year (following June)," and added, "The government will strive to improve the treatment of truck owners and engage in dialogue, but will respond strictly to unjustified collective actions."

The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport can issue a 'work commencement order' (Article 14 of the Freight Motor Vehicle Transport Business Act) to transport operators or drivers who collectively refuse freight transportation without justifiable reasons, causing significant disruption to freight transport and creating a very serious crisis for the national economy. If a truck driver who has received a work commencement order refuses without justifiable reasons, they may face imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won, and the freight transport business license may be revoked.

Vice Minister Oh explained, "During former President Roh's administration, Cargo Solidarity's collective transportation refusal paralyzed Busan Port and caused significant damage. Therefore, the law was amended in 2004 during President Roh's administration to introduce the work commencement order system."

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is investigating the case of issuing a work commencement order to doctors during the Korean Medical Association's general strike in 2020. Vice Minister Oh explained, "We are conducting a practical review on whether to issue the work commencement order comprehensively or to specify those who actually participated in the strike."

He added, "We will continue to make efforts to improve the treatment of freight drivers. However, we will respond strictly to unjustified collective actions. We urge Cargo Solidarity to immediately withdraw the transportation refusal."