Presidential Office: "Cargo Solidarity Crisis Causes Astronomical Damage... An Opportunity for System Improvement"

Eunhye Kim, Chief Public Relations Officer, "We Will Do Our Best to Foster a Fair and Future-Oriented Labor-Management Culture"

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] The Presidential Office announced on the 9th regarding the decision by the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Public Transport Workers' Union (Cargo Solidarity) to withdraw their collective transport refusal (general strike), stating, "We should all take this as an opportunity to seek improvements in the cargo industry system."

Kim Eun-hye, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Presidential Office, stated at a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon, "The Cargo Solidarity's collective transport refusal caused astronomical damage to our economy and people's livelihoods." She added, "The government will do its best to secure jobs for the younger generation, improve the dual structure of the labor market, and foster a fair and future-oriented labor-management culture while adhering to laws and principles regarding labor-management issues."

Earlier, Cargo Solidarity decided through a vote to withdraw the general strike that had continued for 16 days. This decision was based on the judgment that the momentum of the strike was weakening as the situation prolonged. In particular, the government's continued strong stance, including the issuance of additional work commencement orders, had the greatest impact.

Regarding the extension of the sunset clause of the safe freight rate system, which was a key issue in this strike, the Presidential Office expressed its intention to observe the National Assembly's discussion process. A Presidential Office official told reporters, "We understand that the ruling and opposition parties will go through procedures to consult and discuss system improvements in the National Assembly."

The office also expressed its stance on improving the dual structure of the labor market. The official said, "Our government believes that workers' human rights and quality of life should be guaranteed as legitimate rights. However, government policies are also being intensively implemented to secure jobs for the youth and future generations." He added, "The public also recognizes the need to improve labor culture such as job inheritance or vested interest cartels aimed at protecting their own jobs."