"Key Infrastructure Shutdown Risk"... Business Community Fears Impact on Public Livelihoods from Remicon Transport Refusal

Call for Restraint and Compromise in Collective Action
Request to Government for Swift Mediation and Supply Stabilization Measures

Six major organizations representing the Korean business community have recently expressed deep concern over the collective refusal to work by the ready-mixed concrete (remicon) transportation union in the Seoul metropolitan area, calling it an act that could paralyze the national economy and key industries.

On June 11, the six business organizations—Korea Economic Association, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Korea Employers Federation, Korea International Trade Association, Korea Federation of SMEs, and Korea Federation of Mid-sized Enterprises—issued a joint statement, presenting their unified stance on the remicon transportation union's refusal to work.

The six business groups stated, "Ready-mixed concrete is a core material for the construction industry, and supply disruptions inevitably lead to the suspension of key infrastructure projects. In particular, the Seoul metropolitan area is home to construction sites critical to the national economy and public welfare, such as semiconductor plants, housing, and infrastructure. If the situation is prolonged, there is a significant risk that damage will spread across the entire national economy."

They continued, "At a time when related industries are already facing a crisis due to high inflation and a slump in the construction sector, now is the moment to pool wisdom for overcoming this crisis and fostering coexistence, rather than resorting to a refusal to work. Reasonable solutions should be sought through dialogue and compromise."

They also urged the government to intervene actively and establish safeguards. The six organizations added, "We call on the government to actively support the swift resumption of negotiations and to focus on stabilizing the supply of ready-mixed concrete and minimizing on-site damage. The business community will also actively cooperate to ensure stability at construction sites and enable timely investment in high-tech industries without disruptions."

Previously, the remicon transportation union and management reached a mediation proposal to raise the shipping fee by 4,200 won (5.5%) to 80,000 won per trip, but 68.3% of union members voted against it, resulting in its rejection. This is interpreted as the union exercising its veto due to strong dissatisfaction with the adjustment, which was only about half of the initial demand for an 8,000 won increase.

Because the agreement fell through, the refusal to deliver by ready-mixed concrete transportation workers in the Seoul metropolitan area, which began on the morning of June 8, has continued, making it inevitable that major construction sites will be affected. Reports indicate that concrete pouring work has been disrupted at the SK hynix semiconductor cluster under construction in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, and at the Samsung Electronics semiconductor project site in Pyeongtaek.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.