▲ Members of the Korea Ready-Mix Concrete Transport Workers' Union, who have entered a strike demanding the signing of wage and collective agreements, chant slogans during a rally calling for the abolition of unfair trade practices in front of the Construction Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 9th.
The business community has expressed "deep concern over the collective refusal to transport ready-mix concrete by the union in the Seoul metropolitan area, which is causing significant disruption across industries."
Six major business organizations, including the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF), the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ), and the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea, released a joint statement today (June 11) to this effect.
The six organizations emphasized, "Ready-mix concrete is a core material for the construction industry, and any disruption in its supply makes the suspension of work at major infrastructure facilities inevitable." They added, "In particular, the Seoul metropolitan area is home to a concentration of construction sites directly linked to the national economy and public livelihood, such as semiconductor plants, housing, and infrastructure. There is a high risk that the damage will spread to the entire national economy if the situation is prolonged."
They further stated, "At a time when related industries are facing crises due to high inflation and the construction slump, it is time to gather wisdom for overcoming the crisis and mutual growth rather than engaging in a transport strike," adding, "A reasonable solution must be sought through dialogue and compromise."
The six business groups added, "We urge the government to actively support the early resumption of negotiations while working on measures to stabilize the supply of ready-mix concrete and minimize damage at construction sites," and concluded, "The business community will also actively cooperate to ensure the stability of construction sites and the timely investment in high-tech industries without setbacks."
Previously, the ready-mix concrete transport union reached a tentative agreement with management to increase transport fees by 4,200 won per trip, but the deal was ultimately rejected after 68.3% of union members voted against it.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.