South Korea’s Yoon warns of crackdown on trucker strike

South Korean president accuses unionised truck drivers of holding logistics network ‘hostage’ during economic crisis.

Published On 25 Nov 202225 Nov 2022

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has warned the government might step in to break up a nationwide strike by truckers, describing it as an illegal and unacceptable move to take the national supply chain “hostage” during an economic crisis.

Thousands of unionised truckers kicked off their second large strike seeking better pay and working conditions in less than six months on Thursday. The action is already disrupting supply chains across the world’s 10th-largest economy, affecting automakers, the cement industry and steel producers.

KEEP READING

list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4

Apple supplier Foxconn apologises after unrest at Chinese campus

list 2 of 4

UK faces cash shortage as G4S cash delivery staff vote to strike

list 3 of 4

Thousands strike for wage increases in South Africa

list 4 of 4

UK lecturers, teachers, postal workers begin strike over pay

end of list

Union officials said there were no negotiations or dialogue ongoing with the government. The country’s transport ministry said it requested talks with the union on Thursday, but the parties have yet to agree on a date.

Union officials estimated about 25,000 people were joining the strike, out of about 420,000 transport workers in South Korea. The transport ministry said about 7,700 people were expected to rally for the strike on Friday in 164 locations nationwide, down from 9,600 people on Thursday.

“The public will not tolerate taking the logistics system hostage in the face of a national crisis,” Yoon said in a Facebook message late on Thursday, noting that exports were key to overcoming economic instability and financial market volatility.

“If the irresponsible denial of transport continues, the government will have no choice but to review a number of measures, including a work start order.”

According to Sou