Korea International Trade Association Executive Vice Chairman Jeong Marn-ki, center, speaks at an emergency press conference held due to the truckers' union strike at the Trade Tower in Seoul, Tuesday. From left, Korea Cement Association Vice Chairman Lee Chang-ki , Jeong, and Korea Iron & Steel Association Managing Director Heo Dae-young. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

By Kim Hyun-bin

Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and other business associations ― including cement, petroleum, oil, automobiles and steel ― urged the Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union, under the wing of the labor umbrella, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), to stop its current strike, during an emergency press conference, Wednesday.

"The regularization of the safe freight rate is a system that is not compatible with the market economy and even has concerns about unconstitutionality. We hope you will immediately stop the strike," KITA Vice Chairman Jeong Marn-ki said during an emergency press conference held at the Trade Tower in Seoul, Wednesday.

Executives from seven business associations including Korea Petrochemical Industry Association, Korea Feed Association, Korea Petroleum Associations, and Korea Iron & Steel Association took part in the press conference.

The truckers union launched a nationwide strike last Thursday, the second of its kind in less than six months, urging the government to meet its demand to make minimum freight rates permanent to improve their working conditions.