'Consequences cannot be undone'

“I will never compromise with someone who takes illegal action,” said President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying that the government will make the strikers take legal responsibility.

On Thursday, the government announced a return-to-work order on cement truckers who participated in the strike, as members of the Cargo Truckers Solidarity. This is the first time for the administration to enforce the order since 2004, when the order was first put into law.

Those who received the order from the government must return to work within 24 hours. If they don’t go back to work without any justifiable reason, their business licenses can be revoked and they may receive a jail term up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won ($22,600).

“I will never compromise with someone who takes illegal action,” said President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying that the government will make them take legal responsibility.

The Cargo Truckers Solidarity, however, strongly criticized the government, arguing that such a response is “a declaration of martial law on cargo truckers.” They are now reviewing a petition for preliminary injunction to nullify the order.

As the two sides stick to their hardline stances, damages on the industry are increasing. Since the general strike was launched, the delivery amount of cement has decreased by 90 to 95 percent, while the operation of ready mixed concrete factories are suspended due to transportation. And construction of apartments are being delayed.

Meanwhile, as the Seoul subway strike started on Wednesday, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon criticized and called the strike “political,” as it is connected to the Cargo Truckers Solidary.

As Seoul Metro mobilized retired employees and non-unionized workers as replacements, the main commute hours from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. were less chaotic than expected. However, after peak hours, metro operations fell to an inconvenient 72.7 percent compared to normal levels.

#illegimate_strike_holding_the_public_and_businesses_hostage “Everyone’s having a hard time and they’re closing their ears.” “The strike is causing damage to businesses. The consequences cannot be undone.”

#no_compromise_only_orders “The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport failed to keep their pledges.” “The negligent attitude of the government caused businesses to suffer the consequences.”

#owner_operators_are_not_a_union “Self-owned businesses are going on strike and causing problems to others.” “The government has been neglectful, arguing they’re just owner-operators. But now the administration is forcing them to work?”

BY KIM AH-YOUNG, HAN HYE-RIM [han.hyerim1@joongang.co.kr]