[Inside Chodong] Cargo Solidarity Union Strike: Let Us Not Forget the "Winter of Discontent"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Recently, I have developed a peculiar habit. Whenever I drive, I make sure to stop by a gas station and fill up the tank. Needless to say, this is due to the Cargo Solidarity Union strike that began on the 25th of last month. This habit arose as the number of gas stations around my neighborhood posting notices about running out of fuel has been increasing one by one. Moreover, looking at cases from other countries, the fact that this is not the first time such an event has occurred only heightens my anxiety.

When looking at the series of events triggered by this Cargo Solidarity Union strike, the "Winter of Discontent" that took place in the UK in 1979 comes to mind. The term "Winter of Discontent," taken from a line in Shakespeare's play Richard III, originated from the "British disease" characterized by high welfare, high costs, and low efficiency starting in the late 1960s.

In addition, when the oil shock hit the global economy in the 1970s, the British economy was pushed even closer to the brink. The decisive factor was the British government's flawed policies. In August 1975, during a period of hyperinflation where prices rose by 27% over 12 months, the British government introduced drastic wage control measures to curb inflation. This provoked severe backlash from British labor unions. It is worth remembering that we are also currently suffering from inflation.

Amid ongoing social turmoil, in January 1979, tanker truck drivers went on strike demanding a 40% wage increase, igniting a chain reaction of strikes. Similarly, our country's Cargo Solidarity Union strike was ultimately triggered by wage issues related to the safety freight rate system.

In the UK, while logistics were paralyzed by the truck drivers' strike, other strikes spread like wildfire. Public sector workers such as railway employees and nurses also went on strike demanding the abolition of wage increase caps, joined by cleaners and mortuary workers. Eventually, the number of striking workers exceeded 1.5 million. Considering that our situation is expanding from the Cargo Solidarity Union strike to a chain of labor strikes, this is a significant parallel.

Ultimately, in mid-February of the same year, the Labour Party's Callaghan cabinet surrendered to the unions, faced a vote of no confidence a month later, and suffered a crushing defeat in the early general election held in May. As everyone knows, this led to a change of government with the Conservative Party led by Margaret Thatcher taking power.

What were the problems of the Callaghan cabinet? First, a lack of political skill can be cited. The policies of the Callaghan cabinet did not even receive support from the ruling Labour Party. Most critically, the failure to persuade the unions only escalated the chaos.

The government and unions must engage in dialogue. Everyone must realize that if this continues, it will lead to mutual destruction. It is important to remember that if the previously mentioned journalist’s peculiar habit worsens from a mere habit to a situation directly threatening the survival of the people, both sides risk being abandoned by the public. In the UK’s case, the Labour Party lost power, and the unions had no choice but to accept the extensive labor market flexibilization implemented by the Thatcher cabinet that came to power as a result of the chain strikes.

In 1979, the UK also suffered from a cold wave not seen in 20 years. A severe cold wave is approaching our country as well. The more I think about it, the more it feels like d?j? vu, but I sincerely hope there will be no Korean version of the "Winter of Discontent."