Will Strike Momentum Fade... Weekend as a Turning Point

Seoul Metro Withdrawal and Railway Union Agreement Dampen Spread of Tensions
Shipment Volume Recovers Due to Work Commencement Order Effect

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] The Cargo Solidarity strike is showing signs of weakening following the government's work commencement order. After the Seoul Metro Union withdrew its strike just one day after starting, and the National Railway Workers' Union reached a dramatic agreement with management, the atmosphere of a widespread labor 'winter struggle (Dongtu)' has effectively subsided. With some non-union truck drivers gradually returning to the field due to the work commencement order, cement shipments have increased and container transportation is recovering, helping to avoid the worst-case scenario of the logistics crisis that the Cargo Solidarity had used as a pressure tactic.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 2nd, the number of bulk cement trailer (BCT) transports on the 1st was 3,170 trips, a 292% increase compared to the 29th of last month when the work commencement order was issued. Cement shipments also increased about fourfold to 82,000 tons in just two days. Container import and export volumes at 12 nationwide ports had dropped to 12% but have now risen to 57%. This is interpreted as some truck owners returning to work after the work commencement order was issued.

A representative from the Korea Cement Association said, "Non-union truck owners who had not been transporting due to threats and psychological pressure from the Cargo Solidarity are gradually returning to work, starting transportation under police protection after the work commencement order was issued," adding, "The work commencement order is clearly improving shipment volumes," reporting the situation on site.

With the government's work commencement order showing some effect, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to complete the postal delivery of the order documents by the 2nd. Until the previous day, the ministry completed on-site investigations of 47 cement transport companies and secured a list of 765 truck owners (30% of the total) from 74 locations where transport refusals occurred, delivering the work commencement orders on site. Among 542 with confirmed addresses, 425 have received postal delivery. The government is increasing pressure by indicating additional work commencement orders for tanker drivers. It also plans to pursue criminal punishment for union members who obstructed transport, even if negotiations with Cargo Solidarity are concluded.

As logistics disruptions caused by transport refusals, which Cargo Solidarity used as a pressure tactic, show signs of being resolved, the strike momentum is weakening. Additionally, the Seoul Metro Union and the National Railway Workers' Union have withdrawn their strikes. Unlike these two organizations, which ended strikes due to economic concerns and awareness of the public's transportation inconvenience, public opinion toward the continuing Cargo Solidarity strike is expected to worsen. It is anticipated that the weekend will be a turning point for the Cargo Solidarity strike, as participation in rallies typically decreases on weekends and more truck owners will return to work once the government's work commencement orders are completed.

A cement transport company official said, "It is more profitable for general truck owners if one truck makes three trips rather than three trucks making one trip each with the same amount of cement," adding, "Among truck owners, there are even those willing to return to work if safety is guaranteed."

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