Won Hee-ryong “It’s better not to talk”
Responding to ultra-hard measures such as the suspension of oil price subsidy
On the 30th, the 7th day of the general strike, the government and the cargo union held a second round of negotiations, but it broke down without any results. The government raised the level of response, saying that if the cargo union does not comply with the order to start business, it will mobilize all means, such as reviewing the origin of the safe freight rate system and suspending oil price subsidies.
The Korea Cargo Workers’ Union said on the same day, “We held negotiations with the government for the second time following the general strike at the Sejong Government Complex, but failed to reach an agreement.” Negotiations, which began at 2:00 pm, ended in 40 minutes following only confirming the differences between the two sides, and no future schedule was set.
Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong said in a back briefing, “The cargo union is only using negotiations and conversations while interfering with all kinds of law enforcement, such as refusal to serve orders.” At the same time, he mentioned reexamination of the safety fare system and suspension of oil price subsidies. Minister Won said, “It is necessary to review not only whether the safe fare system will expire, but also whether it is a proper system or not.” said.
Minister Won said, “The oil price subsidy is a state subsidy provided when a legitimate contribution is made to freight transportation.” He continued, “Because it is criminally illegal to refuse an order to commence business, it brings us closer to the civil damages requirement.”
“The government is reviewing various options under the direction of President Seok-yeol Yoon,” said Kim Eun-hye, senior secretary for public relations in the presidential office, at a briefing at the presidential office building that day.
A high-ranking official in the Presidential Office responded to a reporter’s question, “Are you considering abolishing the safe fare system or switching to the truck registration system in various options?” We are reviewing it,” he said. He also said, “I know that the purpose of conducting a fact-finding survey on the transport operator is to review whether the safe fare system really guarantees safety.”
Regarding the possibility of an order to commence business in the fields such as oil refining and steel, in addition to the order to commence business in the cement sector the day before, the official said, “The order was issued because cement shipments decreased by more than 90% and there were concerns regarding a significant blow to the public safety and economy. He said, “We need to look at the specific requirements a little more, but we are watching with concern regarding disruptions in gasoline transportation due to tanker drivers’ refusal to transport.”
As the government took out a super-hardline countermeasure, the general strike situation became unpredictable. As the strike lengthens, the damage caused by disruptions in logistics transportation is also spreading. In the case of the construction industry, where concrete pouring has been suspended, shipments through bulk cement trailers (BCT), which transport cement, continue to suffer.