[ソウル ２５日 ロイター] – South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol has warned that the government may intervene to end a nationwide strike by truck drivers. He criticized taking the domestic supply chain “hostage” amid the economic crisis as illegal and unacceptable.
The second large-scale strike by truck drivers in less than six months began on Friday and is already showing signs of disruption in several industries.
“In the face of a national crisis, the public will not allow the logistics system to be held hostage,” Yoon said in a Facebook post late that evening.
“If irresponsible transportation denials continue, the government will have no choice but to consider multiple measures, including orders to start operations,” he said, pointing out that exports are the key to weathering the unstable economic situation and volatility in financial markets. rice field.
Under South Korean law, such orders can be issued to force workers to return to work if transportation is severely disrupted. If the government issues an order, it will be the first time in Korean history.
Former Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Kiryu told reporters on the 24th that preparations had begun for the issuance of the order.
The trade union Cargo Solidarity accused the government of stalling negotiations and threatening a tough response without trying to prevent a strike.
According to the Korea International Trade Association, on the first day of the strike, there were 19 reports of impacts such as rising logistics costs and the inability to bring in raw materials.
