The union members of the Cargo Truckers Solidarity voted to end the general strike and go back to work after 16 days. Many are saying that the strike that lasted for two weeks only left a deep scar.
Steel and petrochemicals damages total 2.6 trillion won. The Democratic Party on Tuesday agreed to accept the government proposal of extending the freight rate system for another three years.
The government will issue another executive order Thursday as the strike by the Cargo Truckers Solidarity reaches its 15th day, ordering truckers in the fuel and steel sectors to return to work.
The confederation, which is supporting truckers on strike since Nov. 24, started the walkout with rallies in 15 major cities, including Seoul, Gyeonggi and Busan.
The Yoon Suk-yeol administration's hard-line stance against striking truckers seems to be working, with many truckers back on the job and those still taking action toning down their provocations.
Cement trucks are parked at a ready-mixed concrete factory in Anyang, Gyeonggi, on Thursday, the eighth day of the strike by the Cargo Truckers Solidarity and the truckers' refusal to transport materials including concrete.
“I will never compromise with someone who takes illegal action,” said President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying that the government will make the strikers take legal responsibility.
Exports fell for a second consecutive month in November while Korea's trade balance was negative for an eighth month Strikes by truckers and railway workers could make the situation worse.
The government must strictly deal with violations of the order by the union but should not regard the strike itself as being illegitimate.
Korea JoongAng Daily Sitemap