Will Paris Baguette Join the Nationwide Cargo Solidarity Strike?... Franchise Owners Suffer Consecutive Losses

Conflict Between Transport Company Unions Over Securing Advantageous Delivery Routes... Solidarity Strikes Planned in Other Regions
Paris Baguette Franchise Owners "Severe Sales Losses Incurred, Will Seek Compensation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] The strike by the Cargo Solidarity Union at Honam Shani Gwangju Factory, which began due to conflicts between transport company unions over the operation of delivery routes for Paris Baguette delivery vehicles, has continued for the 13th day, raising concerns as union members from other regions are expected to join in solidarity strikes.

According to industry sources on the 14th, the strike started amid disagreements between delivery drivers affiliated with the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) during negotiations on adjusting delivery routes and operational methods to accommodate additional vehicles. Previously, delivery drivers requested additional vehicles on the condition that the delivery fees remain unchanged, which the company accepted and has already added two vehicles.

The operation of delivery routes is an exclusive task of the transport companies contracted by the company for logistics, and the company cannot intervene. The Cargo Solidarity-affiliated vehicle owners insisted that their proposed measures be unconditionally accepted and began a strike refusing deliveries from the early morning of the 3rd without prior notice. They even obstructed the entry and exit of substitute vehicles deployed to minimize damage to franchise owners, resulting in 24 union members being detained by the police.

The Cargo Solidarity Union demanded exemption from liability for damages from the company as a condition to end the strike. When the company refused, the union attempted to expand the solidarity strike to other logistics centers unrelated to this issue, which is expected to cause damage to over 3,400 Paris Baguette franchise stores nationwide.

Lee Joong-hee, chairman of the Paris Baguette Franchise Owners Association, stated, "Franchise owners who have not received deliveries from the Gwangju center for more than 10 days are suffering serious sales losses and damages," and added, "We strongly condemn the behavior of the Cargo Solidarity delivery strike drivers who are exploiting the Chuseok holiday season for their own benefit and will thoroughly demand compensation for damages," signaling a strong response.

An SPC GFS official said, "The strike by Cargo Solidarity, which threatens the business and livelihood of the company and franchise owners, stemming from conflicts and power struggles between unions, is absolutely unacceptable," adding, "It clearly violates the cargo transportation service contract," and "We plan to respond strongly by thoroughly claiming compensation for damages caused by the strike."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.