Non-union and logistics sectors "Call for Strike Withdrawal"... Courier Union "Begins Hunger Strike"

On the afternoon of the 21st, the '2022 National Delivery Workers Rally' was held at Cheonggye Plaza, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Delivery Workers' Union held the '2022 National Delivery Workers' Conference' on the 21st at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul, urging CJ Logistics to implement the social agreement and accept dialogue. /Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Non-union workers and the logistics industry are pouring criticism on the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) National Courier Workers' Union (Courier Union), demanding an end to the strike. However, the Courier Union has expressed its intention to continue the strike, announcing Chairman Jin Kyung-ho’s commencement of a hunger strike, indicating signs of a prolonged conflict.

Jin Kyung-ho, Chairman of the Courier Union, stated at the '2022 National Courier Workers' Rally' held on the afternoon of the 21st at Cheonggye Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, "To give one last chance for dialogue, the union will take extraordinary measures magnanimously," and added, "As of today, we will lift the occupation protest on the 3rd floor of CJ Logistics headquarters."

The lifting of the occupation protest comes 11 days after about 200 union members staged a surprise occupation of the 1st and 3rd floors of CJ Logistics headquarters on the 10th. However, the occupation protest in the 1st floor lobby will continue. Chairman Jin emphasized, "If the lifting of the occupation protest is used by CJ as a basis for a wrong judgment, we will stage a protest even larger than the occupation."

Non-union workers and the logistics association have been heavily criticizing the Courier Union’s strike. The National Non-Union Courier Drivers’ Alliance (Non-Union Alliance) issued a statement protesting the Courier Union’s solidarity strike. Kim Seul-gi, representative of the Non-Union Courier Alliance, said, "At a time when distribution companies like Coupang are closely watching the courier market and aiming to expand their business, I want to ask if leading a solidarity strike like this is not breaking the rice bowls of all our courier drivers."

Kim pointed out that the union has become a group existing above South Korean law, and the government, which should stop this, is standing by. He claimed, "It seems the union has become a group existing above South Korean law," and added, "They cause all incidents through illegal and violent means, and even when issues arise, the government unilaterally allows them to be assaulted under the absurd pretext of labor-management relations." He further urged, "Please punish those who engage in violence and illegality severely."

On the 17th, as the delivery workers' union continued its sit-in protest occupying the CJ Logistics headquarters, a reporter attempted to cover the inside of the CJ Logistics headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, but was blocked by a hand covering the camera. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

The Korea Integrated Logistics Association (Logistics Association) also stated in a press release that the strike is "a serious challenge and threat to the national economy," emphasizing that "they are making baseless claims by holding couriers hostage."

The Logistics Association explained, "The Courier Union’s strike is also feared to accelerate the crisis in the courier industry," adding, "The delivery service, which is the unique domain of the courier industry, is facing serious challenges both internally and externally, including from other industries, and if public distrust and negative perceptions grow due to the Courier Union’s actions, the courier industry could face mutual destruction."

Along with this, the Logistics Association stressed, "The four strikes and illegal, violent acts by the Courier Union continuing since last year are not only a severe threat to the national economy but also cause great damage and inconvenience to the public and small business owners," and strongly urged, "We strongly call on the Courier Union to immediately stop the baseless strike and illegal occupation and return to the field."

Meanwhile, on the same day, union members with bargaining rights from Lotte, Hanjin, and Logen are conducting a one-day warning strike. If CJ Logistics continues to refuse dialogue, the union is also considering expanding the strike to all courier companies. Additionally, Chairman Jin announced he will begin a hunger strike abstaining from water and salt, and that all union members will engage in an all-out struggle against CJ.

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