Six major economic organizations issue statement on ready-mix concrete union strike, urge dialogue and government action
South Korea's business community has raised alarm over the ready-mix concrete transport union's refusal to work in the greater Seoul area, warning it is causing "enormous disruption not only to construction sites but across industry as a whole."
Six major economic organizations said in a joint statement released Thursday that "if the supply of ready-mix concrete — a core material for the construction industry — is disrupted, work stoppages at key infrastructure projects will be unavoidable." They added that the greater Seoul area is home to a concentration of construction sites directly tied to the national economy and public welfare, including semiconductor factories, housing and infrastructure projects. A prolonged dispute "raises serious concern that damage could spread to the entire national economy," they said.
The groups noted that the ready-mix concrete industry had previously reached an agreement with the union out of consideration for the national economy, even as it struggled with an operating rate below 14 percent due to reduced volumes and rising costs including fuel prices. "It is deeply regrettable that this refusal to work began by breaking a labor-management agreement that was reached with great difficulty," they said.
They went on to say that with related industries already in crisis from high inflation and a construction sector slump, "this is a time to pool wisdom for overcoming the crisis and achieving mutual prosperity, rather than resorting to a transport refusal." The statement stressed that pressing issues, including transport rates, must be resolved through dialogue and compromise.
The six organizations called on the government to actively support the prompt resumption of negotiations while working to stabilize ready-mix concrete supply and minimize damage at construction sites. They added that the business community would "actively cooperate to ensure stability at construction sites and the timely progress of investment in advanced industries."
joze@heraldcorp.com
