Cargo Union Demands Police Chief's Dismissal Over Fatal Incident

The Cargo Workers' Union (Hanjin Union) has escalated its demands, calling for the immediate dismissal of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Chief and the prosecution of the police officers on duty during a contentious incident on April 20th. The union asserts that the police's actions on that day prioritized the interests of BGF Logistics (CU convenience store's logistics subsidiary) over the safety of its members, directly contributing to the tragic death of one union member.

“

The police showed an attitude of prioritizing the company's convenience over safety at the accident scene on April 20, and because of this, a union member died.

According to the union's account, the confrontation occurred at the Jinju logistics center where Hanjin Union members were staging a sit-in protest to block replacement vehicles from dispatching goods. The union claims that around 10:30 a.m., police forcibly dispersed the protesters, creating an opening for the replacement trucks to proceed. In the ensuing chaos, four union members were struck by a truck, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.

Video evidence reportedly supports the union's narrative, showing police clearing the road as replacement trucks, driven by non-union drivers, began exiting the logistics center. The union alleges that the police actively facilitated the departure of these vehicles, even signaling them to proceed despite the presence of protesters on the road. The deceased, identified as Seo, a branch head, was reportedly run over by the lead truck, while others were injured.

“

It is difficult to see this as normal police work, as they prioritized the dispatch of replacement vehicles in a situation where lives needed to be saved.

Union representatives have vehemently criticized the police's conduct, with one injured member stating, "The on-site police were not concerned with the safety of the union members; they were only focused on getting the goods out. They didn't even call 119 after the accident." This sentiment reflects a deep distrust and anger towards law enforcement, whom the union accuses of acting with disregard for human life, drawing parallels to oppressive historical periods.

“

Branch head Seo was murdered 1 hour and 30 minutes after arriving at the scene at 9 a.m. The on-site police were not concerned with the safety of the union members; they were only focused on getting the goods out. They didn't even call 119 after the accident.

The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency has stated that the National Police Agency's audit office is conducting a fact-finding investigation, and an official police stance will be determined based on its results. Meanwhile, the investigation into the truck driver, who has been arrested on charges including murder and special injury, is ongoing, with authorities analyzing video footage and the vehicle's driving data recorder to ascertain the extent of intent.

“

I was resting in the shade outside the road, and when I heard a loud noise from the entrance of the logistics center, I came out to the road and looked towards the logistics center. The police were pushing union members out of the road, and trucks were coming down the cleared road.