By Na Jeong-ju
Cargo container traffic at the country’s major ports was down by an average of 40 percent as more truck drivers joined a strike that began Monday, officials said Tuesday.
According to the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, the daily cargo container traffic at the ports in Busan, Incheon and other logistics hubs decreased to 41,0000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from some 72,000 TEUs on an average day. TEU stands for 20-foot equivalent unit, a measure used for capacity in container transportation.
The government said there was no major disruption of cargo transportation on the second day of the walkout because it mobilized military trucks and increased the number of cargo trains running between major ports to minimize its effects. However, concerns are rising that the strike could paralyze the country’s cargo transportation system if prolonged, amid signs that more unionized drivers are joining the collective action.
The ministry said some 1,700 cargo trucks, or 3 percent of total trucks, were not in operation as of Tuesday, dismissing concerns about a possible disruption. In contrast, the Korean Cargo Transport Workers’ Union claimed that more than 80,000 trucks have been parked, and that this number may soon surpass 100,000.
“The government is trying to downscale the effects of our strike to gain an upper hand in upcoming negotiations,” a union spokesman said. “Our tally shows that the engines of more than 80 percent of cargo trucks operating in the Busan, Gwangyang and Pyeongtaek ports and the industrial complex in Pohang have been turned off.”
The Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Port Office suggested that the situation at the country’s largest port is getting worse. The office said the daily cargo container traffic halved to some 21,000 TEUs Monday from 42,000 TEUs on an average day.
The union proposed talks with representatives of the government at the Central Government Complex in Seoul Wednesday to discuss its demands.
The truckers are calling for an average fare increase of 30 percent along with a tax cut on their gas purchases. They also demanded the government revise what they describe as an unfair subcontract system for drivers, which it alleges benefits only large logistics companies. The union vowed to continue the strike until all its demands are met.
Some unionists are now using violence to pressure non-participating drivers to join the strike.
Eggs were thrown at dozens of trucks still operating in ports and roads. The ministry said 27 trucks were set on fire by striking workers.
In Uiwang and Busan, unionists continued sit-ins atop giant tower cranes, criticizing the government for refusing to negotiate with them.
The ministry reaffirmed that it would take stern measures against any illegal activities by unionists. It said it would cut subsidies to striking drivers and cancel the driving licenses of violent members if they don’t return to work.
“They have opted to strike again instead of finding a peaceful solution,” a ministry official said. “We won’t accept their unreasonable demands. Those violating the rule of law will be sternly punished.”
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