Busan·Gyeongnam Ready-Mix Concrete Total Strike... Construction Site Pouring Halt Crisis

Ready-mix concrete transport drivers in the Busan and Gyeongnam areas went on a total strike on the 9th, making it inevitable for construction sites in Busan, Yangsan, Gimhae, and Jinhae to be affected. The photo shows ready-mix concrete trucks stopped at a ready-mix concrete plant in the Buji area.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Ready-mix concrete truck drivers in the Busan and Gyeongnam regions went on a total strike on the 9th, making it inevitable that construction sites in Busan, Yangsan, Gimhae, and Jinhae will be impacted.

According to industry sources on the 11th, the Busan Construction Machinery Branch of the National Construction Workers' Union has initiated the strike demanding an increase in the transportation fee per trip from the current 50,000 won to 63,000 won (26%). As a result, it is reported that concrete pouring operations are at risk of being halted at up to 8,000 sites, including about 100 large-scale construction sites in Busan, Yangsan, Gimhae, and Jinhae.

A union official stated, "We receive about 5 million won monthly in transportation fees from the company, but our monthly expenses are around 2.4 million won, and it is impossible to make a living with the remaining amount." He added, "Without any severance pay, we must rely solely on the increase in transportation fees to sustain our livelihood. However, despite vehicle maintenance costs rising two to three times due to inflation, the company only makes excuses and is not actively engaging in negotiations."

In response, ready-mix concrete companies are expressing difficulties, citing that it has become challenging to operate factories due to the recent tripling of thermal coal prices. An industry representative said, "Cement prices have actually increased by 15-17%, and aggregate prices have risen by more than 15%." He added, "Most ready-mix concrete companies in the Busan and Gyeongnam regions are struggling. Some companies are even considering closure."

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