[WORD_ON_THE_WEB] 'What are the president and the government doing?'

The strike carried out by the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers’ Union has continued since June 7, with unionized truck drivers demanding that the transport ministry extend the so-called freight charge system, slated to end in December 2022.

The system was implemented to prevent truckers from overworking.

The union is also requesting the government to devise measures to combat surging fuel costs. The union and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport negotiated on June 11 and 12, but couldn’t reach an understanding.

A total of 5,860 truckers were participating in the strike by 10 a.m. on Sunday. They make up about 27 percent of union members. The day before, 34 percent of unionized truckers participated.

As the strike drags on, there is a disruption in the nationwide supply chain, with some items, including cars, steel, and cement products, showing a reduction in production and delivery.

#untimely_strike
“They are making it harder for everyone in a time of nationwide hardship.”
“The country is going through a hard time even without the strike. The prices go up because of the strike, and then they strike demanding compensation for the price surge... Of course, the workers have the right to unionize and make reasonable demands. We need a union that exists for the workers, not a self-centered interest group.”

#what’s_the_government_doing?
“It’s not unreasonable for the union to demand a minimum wage. We shouldn’t condemn them blindly."
“What are the president and the government doing? They should come up with a solution.”

#small_business_are_the_victim
“The small businesses are the real victims here.”
“The union is getting backlash because they are causing damage to ordinary folks while demanding their rights.”

BY LEE SI-YEOUNG, YOO JI-WOO [yoo.jiwoo@joongang.co.kr]