[Reporter’s Notebook] The Courier Union’s Occupation of CJ Logistics Turns into a Misstep

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Even if the exercise of power somewhat violates the law, if it gains legitimacy from the majority of society members, it can be considered a partial success.

Even if one is not a direct party involved in the interests, simply listening to the voices of those who take to the streets or hold up pickets and trying to understand that something is wrong is already half the battle won. I believe that even if a strike causes some disruption in society, our members have matured enough to accept a certain level of inconvenience.

In that regard, the illegal occupation of CJ Logistics headquarters by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Service Federation National Courier Workers' Union (Courier Union) is a misstep. The sudden crowding in and forcefully pushing open the doors was an act of violence in itself. There is little sign of an attitude willing to engage in dialogue.

It appears that the union resorted to a high-intensity approach because the company remained silent despite repeated demands for dialogue, which even neutral observers have shaken their heads at. Citizens who tolerated a few days' delay in deliveries have begun to criticize the union, saying "We can't stand it anymore." They are willing to endure late deliveries but cannot tolerate the union's stubborn and distorted demands. Even courier groups whose members are not unionized have called for the strike to end.

As the illegal occupation enters its fifth day on the 14th, the standoff shows no sign of easing. The union has encouraged members to purchase bonds worth 500,000 won per account in preparation for a prolonged strike. Some protesters outside the building have left, but all union members are said to return to Seoul on the 15th for a final showdown. Next week, a warning strike involving members from other companies is also being prepared.

It is also problematic that the government and ruling party are just folding their arms. The strike has already lasted 49 days and become entrenched, yet the government only insists on the principle that this is a labor-management issue regarding the distribution of the disputed rate increase. They should have carefully handled not only reaching an agreement but also the procedures and processes for implementing it, but they failed to do so. Ultimately, if the problem is to be solved through dialogue, more attention must be paid to the details of how to uphold the agreement rather than the agreement itself.

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