South Korea: Unionized courier workers to strike nationwide June 18

Event

Unionized courier workers plan to strike across South Korea June 18. The courier workers' wing of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) is organizing the action due to a breakdown in wage negotiations. Around 800 workers from CJ Korea Express also intend to participate in a partial strike June 20, while workers from Hanjin Courier Union continue to strike every Saturday since June 4. The action may extend beyond June 18 or recur in the coming weeks if officials fail to meet protest demands.

Disruptions to postal services, including mail processing, distribution, and deliveries, are possible for the duration of the labor action. Lingering delays may continue beyond the end of the strike as service providers work to resolve backlogs.

Striking workers could hold protests at courier company offices, public squares, and government buildings. Hundreds to thousands of people may participate in related events. Police will likely monitor any demonstrations and may try to disperse disruptive gatherings. Localized traffic disruptions are possible near protest sites.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately. Monitor trusted local media for updates on protest locations as organizers may not announce them in advance. Follow all security personnel instructions. Consider alternative commercial parcel delivery services for critical shipments and correspondence until the strike ends and operations return to normal.