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Cargo truckers go on general strike, demanding extension of basic freight rate system

Published : Jun 7, 2022 – 09:43 Updated : Jun 7, 2022 – 10:36

Trucks transport containers at a pier in Busan on Monday, a day before unionized cargo truckers were set to go on a general strike. (Yonhap)

Unionized cargo truckers nationwide went on a general strike Tuesday, demanding the government extend a freight rate system guaranteeing basic wages for truck drivers to cope with surging fuel costs, union leaders said.

Most of the 25,000 members of the Cargo Truckers Solidarity, under the wing of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, as well as many non-unionized truckers, were predicted to join the walkout launched at midnight.

“In light of the impact this general strike could have on the national economy, we had tried to negotiate with the government, but the land ministry in charge came up short on dialogue,” a union official said.

The truck drivers’ union threatened last month to go on an indefinite general strike, protesting that skyrocketing diesel prices are throttling their right to survival.

The union is demanding an extension of the Safe Trucking Freight Rates System designed to prevent dangerous driving and guarantee minimum freight rates for truck drivers. The system, introduced for a three-year run in 2020, is scheduled to end on Dec. 31.

Truckers said high fuel costs are feared to threaten their survival if the freight rate system expires as scheduled. They also demand a hike in freight fares and other support measures, including the furtherance of their labor rights.

Police have said they will respond sternly to any illegal acts during the strike and arrest any union members trying to disrupt the services of other non-striking truckers.

Holding a virtual meeting a day earlier, police, land, trade, labor and interior ministry officials discussed how to help procure alternative freight transportation services in the wake of the strike.

President Yoon Suk-yeol said the walkout should be handled according to principles.

“Whether it’s the unjust labor actions of employers or illegal actions of laborers, I’ve made clear since the campaign that I will handle them in accordance with the law and principles,” he told reporters when asked how he would deal with the strike. (Yonhap)

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