Both sides have reached a deal that sees the fuel strike over
The South Korean truck driver strike over rising fuel prices has finished as union members and the nation’s transport ministry both report reaching an agreement on minimum pay rates overnight.
The AAP says the deal ends an eight-day strike that delayed shipment for many industries and cost the country’s industry around $1.7 billion in lost output as it crippled ports according to the industry ministry.
Both sides say that the last round of deal talks were held at a major industrial transport hub where transport minister Won Hee-ryong previously told drivers that the government may step in and force drivers to recommence working or face jail sentences.
The deal extends the truck driver’s minimum wage system while discussions will continue about expanding the guarantee of minimum pay for carrying cargo and additional products.
“The Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union will immediately return to work and the ministry of transport will make utmost effects so that truckers can return to work,” the union says.
During the strike average daily shipments were slashed by 90 per cent according to the Korea Petrochemical Industry Association.
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Small business owners in South Korea voiced concerns about the strike following the impacts of COVID-19.
“Small business owners are waiting helplessly,” lobby groups representing these businesses say.
The transport ministry says it will work with parliament to help extend minimum pay guarantee while also reviewing the expansion of fuel subsidies to ease the cost of living for truck drivers.
The ministry says the strike had cost the nation’s car industry around 5,400 vehicles in lost production.