CJ Logistics strike goes on, but so do deliveries

Some CJ Logistics workers continue to strike, holding rallies around Seoul, but the impact on the company's operations has been minimal.

Unionized workers protest in front of CJ Group President Lee Jay-hyun's house on Tuesday. [NEWS1]

Some CJ Logistics workers continue to strike, holding rallies around Seoul, but the impact on the company's operations has been minimal.

About 1,650 unionized workers subcontracted to work for CJ Logistics have been on strike since Dec. 28, 8.5 percent of the total, demanding higher pay after an increase in delivery fees charged to customers. The striking workers are members of a union affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.

The workers wanted talks with management by Monday, which didn't happen.

Tuesday was the first time all the unionized workers came together for a rally since they began the strike.

CJ Logistics says that a fair share of the price increase has been reflected in delivery-worker compensation.

Some 200 workers gathered in front of CJ Group President Lee Jay-hyun’s house in Jung District, central Seoul on Tuesday and chanted, “The president should step in to solve the problem.”

Workers on strike will split into groups of 200 and take turns protesting in front of Lee's house to meet social distancing regulations allowing rallies of no more that 299 people.

“CJ Logistics says only 4 percent of the deliveries are being delayed,” said Jin Kyung-ho, a leader of the unionized workers, “but our colleagues say about 20 percent are, and we won’t end the strike.”

Workers on strike hold signs in protest at the Banpo Bridge in southern Seoul on Tuesday. [YONHAP]

Workers also gathered around the Banpo and Hannam Bridges spanning the Han River and at various subway stations to chant protests and stand with picket signs.

CJ Logistics released a statement Tuesday saying it will arrange a meeting between the Cooperative Association of CJ Logistics Courier Agencies and the unionized workers to discuss problems.

The delivery workers are under contract to courier agencies, but the workers on strike want to talk directly to CJ Logistics' management.

“The company has requested the strike to stop, expressing disappointment with the union’s groundless claims and malicious slander,” read the statement. “We apologize for delivery delays due to the strike and will do our best to normalize our services.”

The company emphasized that it pays the highest wages in the local logistics industry and provides the best work environment for workers. It urged an immediate end to the strike.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]