<Anchor> The
Cargo Solidarity went on strike demanding the extension of the safe fare system, which ends at the end of next year. Concerned about some logistical disruptions, the government is preparing emergency transportation measures such as the introduction of alternative vehicles.
Correspondent Jo Ki-ho.
<Reporter> The
Cargo Regiment started a general strike at 0 o'clock today (25th).
On this morning, the first day of the general strike scheduled for three days until the 27th, the Cargo Solidarity will hold a launch ceremony at 15 bases across the country, including Seoul and Gyeonggi, Jeonnam and Busan.
The number of participants is expected to be around 20,000 out of 23,000 total members.
They plan to pressure the government by locking down cargo container bases and warehouses.
The Cargo Solidarity is demanding that the sunset system be abolished so that the safety fare system, which started last year with a three-year period, does not end at the end of next year.
The safe fare system imposes a fine for negligence on the shipper who pays a lower fare than the safety fare.
They are also calling for the full application of industrial accident insurance to freight workers and the abolition of the payment system.
[Park Gwi-ran/Director of Cargo Solidarity Policy Bureau: I think it is a struggle with public interest in that it is a bill that can lead not only to the rights of freight workers, but also to road safety and public safety.]
The government is in a position that it is difficult to accept the request for solidarity with cargo, saying that it can be a burden to shippers and transportation companies.
The government said that it is preparing emergency transportation measures, such as granting permission for private trucks to transport for a fee, and securing replacement vehicles to prevent a logistical disruption caused by the general strike.