Fatal Accident at Jinju CU Logistics Center Protest... Police Form Dedicated Investigation Team

Yonhap News Agency

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A member of the Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union died at a protest site in front of the BGF Retail logistics center in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, prompting police to form a dedicated investigation team and launch an inquiry. Labor groups strongly condemned the government and the principal contractor, demanding accountability.

The National Police Agency stated on April 20, "We regret the death of a Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union member that occurred this morning at the CU Jinju Logistics Center," adding, "A dedicated investigation team has been formed within the Regional Investigation Unit of the South Gyeongsang Provincial Police Agency, and we plan to conduct a thorough investigation."

The incident occurred at approximately 10:32 a.m. that day at the protest site in front of the CU Jinju Logistics Center located in Yeha-ri, Jeongchon-myeon, Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province. A 2.5-ton cargo truck struck participants at the protest, and as a result, a union member in his 50s affiliated with the Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest but ultimately passed away. Two other union members were also injured.

The police urgently arrested the cargo truck driver and, considering the seriousness of the incident, the Police Agency’s Audit Office plans to carry out a separate fact-finding investigation. In addition, psychological counseling and other support will be provided to the bereaved family.

Labor groups responded with strong opposition. The Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions issued a statement, saying, "This tragedy is a disaster where capital and state power trampled on workers," and "We condemn CU and the police for driving a just struggle to death."

The union explained that convenience store logistics workers are suffering from long hours of transportation and low-wage structures, and that the accident occurred during the process of demanding joint bargaining from BGF Retail, the principal contractor. The union further asserted, "Excessive on-site response and measures focused on the convenience of capital have cost workers their lives."

The union announced it would continue its struggle and once again urge negotiations with the principal contractor.

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