South Korea orders striking steel, petrochemical truckers to return to work

Reuters:

SEOUL, Dec 8 – South Korea ordered striking truckers in the steel and petrochemical industries to return to work on Thursday, widening a back-to-work decree beyond the cement industry amid a prolonged nationwide strike that has disrupted supply chains.

During opening remarks at a televised meeting of the country’s cabinet, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo told the members to issue the “start work” order.

Tens of thousands striking truckers are demanding a minimum wage programme be permanent and broader. The government has so far refused, but has said it can extend it beyond the current three years.

The Democratic Party, an opposition party that holds a majority in parliament, has decided to support the government’s extension proposal, according to media reports.

“The government remains steadfast. We absolutely have to break the vicious cycle of an unjustified organised act,” Han said.

No more negotiation sessions have been planned, a senior union official said.

The second strike in less than six months has hampered supplies of goods from cars to fuel, costing the country 3.5 trillion won ($2.66 billion) in its first 12 days, the government said this week.