Concrete Truck Strike Halts Nationwide Construction Sites on Fifth Day

As ready-mix concrete transport workers in the Seoul metropolitan area continue their strike for the fifth day, demanding wage increases, construction projects across the nation are grinding to a halt. The impact is particularly severe, affecting semiconductor plant construction sites for major companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which is raising broader industry concerns.

According to data compiled by the Korea Construction Industry Association, as of March 11, ready-mix concrete supply had been suspended at 105 sites operated by 22 major construction companies nationwide. This has led to delays in concrete pouring for approximately 100,000 cubic meters, an increase from the previous day's figures. The association noted that the actual damage is likely greater when including un-reported sites.

While construction companies initially responded by adjusting pouring schedules, their capacity to cope is reaching its limit as the transport refusal drags on. Some sites are currently employing emergency measures using non-union or directly employed vehicles, but if the supply disruption continues through next week, complete work stoppages will become unavoidable at certain projects. Delays in semiconductor plant construction for national key industries like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix could weaken global competitiveness and result in national losses. The construction industry has raised concerns about increased costs due to project delays and potential issues related to penalties for delays and休業手当 (leave allowances).

The Korea Construction Industry Association urged the transport union to call off the collective transport refusal and called for the swift resumption of negotiations between ready-mix concrete manufacturers and transport operators. It also requested government institutional improvements, such as recognizing project delays caused by transport operator closures as force majeure to alleviate penalty burdens and shortening the review period for ready-mix truck supply and demand adjustments. The association also requested strengthened crackdowns and supervision against illegal activities, such as obstructing the dispatch of ready-mix concrete.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has stepped in to mediate negotiations between manufacturers and transport operators. The Korea Construction Industry Association plans to operate a 'Corporate Grievance Support Center for Ready-Mix Concrete Suspensions' until the situation is resolved, monitoring damage at construction sites.