“Ignoring Safety-Fare Violations Makes You an Accomplice,” Truckers’ Union Tells North Jeolla

The Cargo Truckers’ Solidarity Division in North Jeolla has accused local container carriers of illegally taking as much as 2 million won a month from drivers and urged the provincial government to intervene.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions-affiliated group held a news conference outside the North Jeolla Provincial Government on the 7th. It called for thorough investigations and strict administrative action against companies that violate the safety-fare system.

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North Jeolla Province must crack down on safety-fare violations in the province and begin thorough investigations and administrative action.

The union said some container transport companies in the region deduct illegal fees equivalent to 4% to 10% of freight workers’ pay. It also alleged that companies retaliate against drivers who demand compliance by cutting off their dispatch assignments.

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More than 1,200 violations of the system have been reported nationwide in the six months since the safety-fare system resumed, but not a single company has been fined.

The safety-fare system sets minimum safe transport rates between shippers and carriers, as well as minimum entrusted rates between carriers and truck owners. Paying less than the prescribed rate can result in a 5 million won fine per case.

The union said local governments with authority to issue fines had not actively enforced the system because the Transport Ministry had not provided detailed inspection standards or a manual. It said the ministry delivered an enforcement manual to local governments nationwide at the end of August and requested coordinated inspections. “Ignoring safety-fare violations makes you an accomplice,” the union said, calling on North Jeolla to act to protect workers’ safety and livelihoods.

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Ignoring safety-fare violations makes you an accomplice.