Request to expand safe fare system “All union members participate”
Urge the government to withdraw its “firm response”.
The Headquarters of the Cargo Unity of Public Transport Workers of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions 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 general strike ceremony in 16 regions across the country at 10:00 am on the same day and said, “We are going on a general strike to refuse all logistics transport in order to prevent the deterioration of the safe. ticketing system, continue to promote the secure ticketing system, and expand vehicles and items.” The cargo union announced that 11,000 people across the country took part in the launch ceremony, and that 25,000 union members were taking part 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 in opening remarks at the ministerial meeting on proposed 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 sunset price system, and we will be actively involved in future dialogue.” I hope you will make a win-win decision given the dire economic conditions.” He continued, “I emphasize once again that actions that interfere with logistics will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law and principles.” Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong said in a public statement following the cargo union’s collective refusal to ship, “We will impose fines with local governments on those who refuse to ship, and we will go on pursuit of illegal acts as a deterrent. and threaten transport until the end and respond firmly with a principle of zero tolerance.” “If it causes a serious emergency, we will also issue an order to resume operations,” he said.
Cargo Solidarity said, “The government has maintained the position that ‘cargo workers cannot interfere in freight rates’ and ‘should be left to the market economy’ because cargo workers are self-employed. However, I would like to ask on what basis the order to start work is 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 preventing the bad situation where their rights are not even guaranteed,” he condemned.
