Request for expansion of safe fare system “All union members participate”
Urging the government to withdraw its “firm response”
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions’ Public Transport Workers’ Cargo Solidarity Headquarters went on a general strike from 0:00 on the 24th, demanding the continued promotion of the safe fare system and the expansion of vehicle types and items.
The Cargo Workers’ Union held a ceremony to launch a general strike in 16 regions across the country at 10:00 a.m. on the same day and said, “We are going on a general strike to refuse all logistics transportation in order to stop the deterioration of the safe fare system, continue to promote the safe fare system, and expand vehicles and items.” The cargo union announced that 11,000 people nationwide participated in the launch ceremony that day, and that 25,000 union members are participating in the general strike. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport estimates that 9,600 people, or 43% of all union members, attended the rally.
The government called for an end to the strike. Prime Minister Han Deok-soo said at the meeting of ministers related to pending state affairs presided over at the Seoul Government Complex that day, “The government has decided to push for a three-year extension of the safe fare system sunset after much consideration, and we will actively engage in dialogue in the future.” I hope you will make a big-win decision considering the severe economic conditions.” He continued, “I emphasize once again that actions that interfere with logistics will be sternly dealt with in accordance with the law and principles.” Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs Won Hee-ryong said in a statement to the public following the cargo union’s collective refusal to transport, “We will impose fines with local governments on those who refuse to transport, and we will pursue illegal acts such as obstruction and intimidation of transport to the end and respond firmly with a zero-tolerance principle.” “If it causes a serious crisis, we will also issue an order to resume operations,” he said.
The Cargo Solidarity said, “The government has maintained the position that ‘cargo workers cannot intervene in freight rates’ and ‘should be left to the market economy’ because they are self-employed. However, I would like to ask on what grounds the order to commence work is being filed,” he said. “Cargo workers are specially hired workers, and the right to collective action is not guaranteed. It can only be seen as the government suppressing the poor situation in which even their rights are not guaranteed,” he condemned.