Yoon Holds Meeting with Relevant Ministers on Cargo Solidarity Strike... Likely to Reiterate 'Strict Response'

On the afternoon of the 4th, directly presiding at the Yongsan Presidential Office... Possibility of discussing additional work commencement orders for the petroleum industry

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Seok-yeol will preside over a meeting of related ministers on the 4th to respond to the Cargo Solidarity's collective refusal to transport (general strike) situation. The Cargo Solidarity general strike has entered its 11th day, causing significant damage across various industries.

According to the presidential office, President Yoon will hold a meeting of related ministers at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in the afternoon to assess the strike situation and discuss future response measures. At this meeting, President Yoon is expected to reiterate a firm stance on strict measures against illegal activities, urging the workers involved in the collective refusal to transport to return to work promptly.

On the 2nd, President Yoon also held a meeting with his aides, expressing concern over illegal acts, stating, "While advocating for the safe freight rate system, I am worried about the violence accompanying the strike that could lead to major safety accidents involving other colleagues." Kim Eun-hye, the chief spokesperson, reported, "We have been informed that the situation has not improved, with obstruction and threats against non-participating workers, including armed actions with steel balls and blocking factory entrances, causing disadvantages and intimidation toward workers not participating in the collective action." President Yoon emphasized, "We will hold legal responsibility to the fullest extent for strike actions based on illegal and criminal acts."

Chief Kim also explained, "The government will closely monitor this situation over the weekend and prepare for all contingencies," adding, "If necessary, we will convene a meeting of related ministers to discuss countermeasures against the collective refusal to transport and the strike. We will consider deploying replacement personnel or alternative transportation means if needed." Furthermore, he urged a return to work, stating, "When industrial sites are paralyzed, daily workers and socially vulnerable groups are the first to suffer. Collective actions like this inevitably cause damage starting with production decreases, trade deficits, and socially vulnerable groups. If construction sites stop, daily workers lose their jobs, and if fuel supply is cut off, farmers and vulnerable groups are driven into a dead end."

The meeting is expected to include Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho, Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon, Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jeong-sik, and Commissioner of the National Police Agency Yoon Hee-geun. However, government officials explained that this does not appear to be a preliminary step toward issuing additional work commencement orders for tanker truck drivers and others.