South Korean President Yeol warns of government ‘intervention’ as truckers’ strike continues

South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol issued a warning that the government might intervene to end the nationwide truckers' strike, calling it unlawful and undesirable action. As per a Reuters report,Yoon said on his Facebook page, "If the irresponsible denial of transport continues, the government will have no choice but to review a number of measures, including a work start order."

According to South Korean legislation, the government may issue an order to force transport workers to go back to their jobs. Failure to comply is subject to a fine of up to 30 million won ($22,550) or a maximum three-year prison sentence.

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On Thursday (Nov 24), thousands of unionised truckers began their second significant strike in less than six months in an effort to improve their working wages and conditions.

Watch |South Korea: About 25,000 truckers go on strike, conduct 16 rallies across country | WION

The official representatives told Reuters that there are no active talks or negotiations between the workers and the administration.

The 10th largest Asian country is already experiencing supply chain disruptions as a result of the strike. There are 420,000 transport employees in South Korea and leaders believed that roughly 25,000 have participated in the strike.

The transport ministry claimed that on Friday nearly 2,000 protesters withdrew from the strike. On Friday (Nov 25), some 7,700 protesters took part in 164 places around the country down from 9,600 on Thursday (Nov 24).

Numerous unionised truckers have set up camp and are spending the night in a white tent outside the gate of the container depot in the transport hub of Uiwang, under the eyes of police even though the strike has so far been non-violent.

(With inputs from agencies)

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