Senior Secretary Kim Eun-hye: "Compromising Each Time Could Lead to Other Illegalities"
Also Suggests Possibility of Additional Work Commencement Orders in Fields Beyond Cement
[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 30th, the Presidential Office reiterated its stance that it will not compromise with the illegal strike by the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Public Transport Workers' Union (Cargo Solidarity) regarding their collective refusal to transport (general strike). It also hinted at the possibility of issuing additional work commencement orders for other sectors besides the cement transportation sector, where such an order is currently in effect.
Kim Eun-hye, the Presidential Office's Chief of Public Relations, stated at a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon, "The government is reviewing various options under the direction of President Yoon Suk-yeol."
Kim added, "The Seoul Transportation Corporation union started a strike today, coinciding with a nationwide cold wave warning issued for most of the country," and said, "I heard that the nationwide railway union is also planning to strike on December 2. We expect significant inconvenience for the public using subways and railways, which weighs heavily on my mind."
Regarding the government's response to the issuance of the work commencement order against Cargo Solidarity, she said, "Our government is currently in the process of firmly establishing labor-management rule of law," emphasizing, "If the government does not resolve labor issues based on laws and principles and compromises each time, it could lead to further strikes and illegal actions. Therefore, from the perspective of public safety and convenience, we intend to wisely handle the current crisis."
She particularly stressed, "The government guarantees the legitimate right of workers to strike. However, illegal actions are not acceptable," and added, "Moreover, strikes that hold public safety hostage or take away jobs from low-wage workers will be met with a firm response. The government has the mission to continuously provide services that protect the public, and that is the reason for the government's existence."
The various options under government review include reconsideration of the Safe Freight Rate System, which Cargo Solidarity advocates to make permanent. A senior official from the Presidential Office told reporters, "No conclusion has been reached yet," but explained, "The Safe Freight Rate System was legislated in 2020 for three years to prevent overwork and accidents. We intend to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this situation and a fact-finding survey of transport operators to review whether the Safe Freight Rate System truly ensures safety."
The possibility of additional work commencement orders was also suggested. Regarding whether a work commencement order for tanker truck operators is being considered, the senior official said, "We understand that the stockpiles at gas stations in the metropolitan area are not sufficient. We are monitoring the supply situation, and we have received reports that the metropolitan area's stockpile only lasts a few days." He added, "If the regulatory capacity that can significantly impact the national economy and the public is assessed, we understand that an order will be issued."
When asked about the possibility of compromise with Cargo Solidarity, the official emphasized the eradication of illegal strikes, saying, "Although Statistics Korea announced that monthly industrial production has decreased to its lowest level in 30 months, and the public is struggling due to the three highs (high inflation, high exchange rates, and high interest rates), if the damage to the national economy and public life caused by the transportation refusal is not resolved promptly, that would be a dereliction of duty by the government."
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