SOUTH korea ordered striking cement truck drivers back to work in a dramatic step it declared necessary, claiming the stoppage threatens the nation's economy, reports Bloomberg.
The government issued the order during a cabinet meeting led by President Yoon Suk Yeol and warned that violators would face legal action.
It is the first time such a decree has been put in place on drivers since it was enacted under the Trucking Transport Business Act in 2004.
'I will firmly establish the rule of law between labour and management during my term,' said Mr Yoon.
'I will never compromise with illegality, and the responsibility for illegal activities will be held strictly until the end.'
The union declared its members have no plans to comply if an order was given and has asked the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to intervene to prevent 'gross violations of workers' rights, on behalf of truck drivers involved in legitimate strike action.'
The strike has suspended the manufacturing and delivery of steel, cement, and petroleum products.
The order, for now, is limited to truckers in the cement industry since that sector has been hit hardest.
Cement deliveries are down 90 per cent, halting work at construction sites.
The unionised truck drivers began their strike on November 24, demanding the government extend and expand a wage system guaranteeing minimum freight rates.
Talks between the union and transport ministry are scheduled to resume soon after the two sides failed to agree.
The protests are the latest example of labour actions across the world threatening to hinder economies and global trade.
SeaNews Turkey
The government issued the order during a cabinet meeting led by President Yoon Suk Yeol and warned that violators would face legal action.
It is the first time such a decree has been put in place on drivers since it was enacted under the Trucking Transport Business Act in 2004.
'I will firmly establish the rule of law between labour and management during my term,' said Mr Yoon.
'I will never compromise with illegality, and the responsibility for illegal activities will be held strictly until the end.'
The union declared its members have no plans to comply if an order was given and has asked the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to intervene to prevent 'gross violations of workers' rights, on behalf of truck drivers involved in legitimate strike action.'
The strike has suspended the manufacturing and delivery of steel, cement, and petroleum products.
The order, for now, is limited to truckers in the cement industry since that sector has been hit hardest.
Cement deliveries are down 90 per cent, halting work at construction sites.
The unionised truck drivers began their strike on November 24, demanding the government extend and expand a wage system guaranteeing minimum freight rates.
Talks between the union and transport ministry are scheduled to resume soon after the two sides failed to agree.
The protests are the latest example of labour actions across the world threatening to hinder economies and global trade.
SeaNews Turkey