Government: "Workers who obstruct or threaten non-striking employees will be tracked and severely punished to the end"

"Cargo Solidarity Transport Refusal, a Very Selfish Act Without Justification or Legitimacy"
"Preparation for Transport Commencement Order Underway"... Firm Response Policy Announced

On the 24th, when the Cargo Solidarity Union began an indefinite general strike, Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, visited the Uiwang Inland Container Terminal in Gyeonggi Province and held a briefing after an emergency situation meeting. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

The Cargo Solidarity Headquarters of the Public Transport Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) began an indefinite general strike starting at midnight on the 24th. In response, the government announced on the 24th that it will strictly respond with a zero-tolerance policy, including issuing a transport commencement order.

On the same day, the government held a "Joint Government Briefing on the Cargo Solidarity Collective Transport Refusal" at the Government Seoul Office, stating, "We urge the immediate withdrawal of the collective transport refusal that is causing enormous damage to the national economy and the lives of the people."

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong, who delivered the announcement, criticized the strike by saying, "At a time when everyone’s efforts are still insufficient to overcome the economic downturn, the Cargo Solidarity’s collective transport refusal, which is being forced ahead, is a very selfish act that holds the national economy hostage without any legitimacy or justification."

He added, "If this collective transport refusal without just cause leads to a very serious crisis in the national economy, we will also issue a work commencement order based on the Motor Vehicle Transport Business Act." He warned, "If they do not return to work despite the work commencement order, legal measures will be taken without exception."

He stated, "We will respond strictly according to law and principles to this collective transport refusal without legitimacy," and added, "For those refusing transport, we will impose fines based on legal grounds in cooperation with local governments."

Furthermore, he said, "We will thoroughly track and firmly respond with a zero-tolerance policy to illegal acts such as obstruction, threats, and harm against cargo drivers who are not participating in the collective transport refusal."

On the 24th, when the Cargo Solidarity Union began an indefinite general strike, members of the Cargo Solidarity Union held a send-off ceremony near the Uiwang Inland Container Terminal in Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

In addition, the government announced measures to minimize damage, including operating an emergency transport plan.

They plan to enhance cargo transport capacity through alternative means such as military-commissioned containers and paid transport by private cargo vehicles, and provide incentives such as exemption from highway tolls for those who participate in normal transport.

Minister Won said, "We will deploy police forces at major logistics hubs such as ports and inland logistics bases to ensure that the majority who do not participate in the transport refusal can operate and conduct business with peace of mind, and take all measures to prevent transport obstruction in advance."

He also urged, "We ask many drivers who are diligently transporting on the front lines not to sympathize with the Cargo Solidarity’s collective action and to engage in their livelihoods as usual with peace of mind."

Meanwhile, the Cargo Solidarity has entered an indefinite collective transport refusal demanding ① prevention of the deterioration of the Safe Freight Rate System, ② abolition of the sunset clause, and ③ expansion of applicable items.

The government, during a briefing by the Prime Minister and related ministers on the 22nd, officially stated that "abolishing the sunset clause and expanding applicable items are difficult" regarding the Safe Freight Rate System and urged the withdrawal of the transport refusal.

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