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🇰🇷 South Korea /Economy & Trade

CU logistics firm begins talks with union after fatal accident

From Hankyoreh · (13m ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • BGF Logistics, which handles CU convenience store deliveries, has begun negotiations with the Cargo Workers' Union following a fatal accident.
  • The union demands the withdrawal of a lawsuit, an end to union suppression, and improvements to working conditions, including reduced working hours.
  • The accident occurred when a replacement vehicle struck and killed a union member during a dispute over negotiations.

The Hankyoreh reports on the commencement of negotiations between BGF Logistics, the operator of CU convenience store's logistics, and the Cargo Workers' Union. This development comes just two days after a tragic accident where a cargo worker, a union member, lost his life and two others were injured during a dispute related to the company's alleged suppression of union activities.

CU workers have been suffering from dangerous working conditions, working 13-14 hours a day, 25 days a month, with frequent forced forfeiture of rest days, and unable to rest even when sick due to the cost of replacement drivers.

— Cargo Workers' UnionThe union described the harsh working environment faced by CU logistics workers.

Our publication has consistently highlighted the precarious working conditions faced by cargo workers in South Korea. The union's demands – including the withdrawal of a lawsuit filed by BGF Logistics, an end to alleged union busting, and concrete improvements to long working hours and safety – are central to this ongoing struggle. The tragic death of the union member, identified as Mr. Seo, has intensified these demands, with the union also calling for accountability from both the police and BGF Logistics.

The union's assertion that BGF Logistics, as the principal employer, bears responsibility for negotiating working conditions has been a long-standing point of contention. The article details how the company allegedly attempted to thwart the union's strike through legal action and the deployment of replacement vehicles. This aggressive stance by BGF Logistics, according to the union, created a dangerous environment that ultimately led to the fatal accident.

BGF must respond responsibly to improving working conditions and guaranteeing rest rights, and participate in sincere negotiations.

— Cargo Workers' UnionThe union urged BGF Logistics to address the workers' demands.

From the perspective of the Hankyoreh, this situation exemplifies the broader conflict between labor rights and corporate interests in South Korea's logistics sector. The union's description of workers toiling 13-14 hours a day, often forced to forgo rest days, paints a grim picture of the industry. We believe that BGF Logistics must respond responsibly and engage in sincere negotiations to address these critical issues of worker welfare and safety, rather than resorting to tactics that endanger lives.

The company attempted to block the Cargo Union's strike by filing a lawsuit for damages worth approximately 200 million won and deploying replacement vehicles.

— HankyorehThe article details the company's alleged actions to counter the union's strike.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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