After Work Orders, Cargo Volume Doubles... 74 Gas Stations Sold Out

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] The number of participants in the Cargo Solidarity's weekend general strike rallies, as estimated by the government, is showing a declining trend. Although the possibility of a settlement between both sides remains slim, there is a growing expectation that the logistics paralysis will gradually ease as more workers return to their duties.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport estimated on the 4th that 2,900 Cargo Solidarity union members were holding or waiting to hold rallies at over 130 locations nationwide. This is about a 32% decrease compared to the government's estimated rally participation of 4,300 people last Sunday. However, the number of participants on Saturday, the previous day, was 5,100, up from 4,300 a week earlier, indicating that the trend needs to be monitored.

The government believes that following the work commencement order in the cement sector, there has been a noticeable return to work among non-union members, and even some union members have resumed work, leading to a recovery trend in cargo volume.

The nighttime container throughput (from 5 p.m. the previous day to 10 a.m. the current day) at 12 nationwide ports was 12,782 TEU, about 33% of normal levels, but nearly doubled compared to 6,208 TEU during the same period a week earlier. One TEU refers to one 20-foot container.

Daily throughput rose to 69% of normal levels on the 2nd and 63% on the 3rd. At Busan Port, which has the largest container throughput, nighttime throughput was 10,862 TEU, about 42% of normal levels, also nearly double compared to a week earlier.

The problem lies in the petroleum sector. As of 2 p.m. the previous day, the number of gas stations that ran out of fuel nationwide increased to 74. Seoul had the highest number with 31 stations, followed by Gyeonggi with 15, Gangwon with 10, and Chungbuk with 3. The shortage of fuel at gas stations is gradually spreading from the metropolitan area to the provinces.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the upper organization of the Cargo Solidarity, held large-scale rallies in Seoul and Busan the previous day to support the strike. At these rallies, Cargo Solidarity emphasized that they would continue the strike without yielding to government pressure.