The Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union and BGF Logistics reached a tentative agreement on April 29 following intensive negotiations, paving the way for the lifting of blockades at key nationwide logistics centers.
Negotiation Timeline and Ceremony
Union representatives began talks around 5 a.m. with BGF Logistics, a subsidiary of BGF Retail responsible for CU convenience store distribution. By 11 a.m., officials confirmed plans for a formal signing ceremony at the Jinju Employment and Labor Office in Gyeongnam Province. Operations expanded late the previous evening, signaling progress toward full resumption.
Key Demands Addressed
The agreement covers critical worker protections, including rights safeguards for cargo laborers, paid vacation guarantees for managers, transport fee adjustments, and realization of delivery experience allowances. It also incorporates structural improvements such as quarterly paid leave and specialized roles like thick yogurt managers and hand-delivery sales incentives. Union members promoted items ranging from transport realization to Samsung collaboration claims during discussions.
Impact on Operations
Upon formal ratification, blockades at major facilities, including the CU Jinju Logistics Center, will end. This allows nationwide centers to resume full activities, potentially by 8 p.m. the following day.
Strike Background and Resolutions
Tensions escalated on April 20 when a major walkout at BGF Logistics trapped executives inside facilities. A Samsung employee emerged from the confrontation, prompting further unrest. The union, affiliated with CU via BGF Retail, demanded direct talks and held partnership meetings at five nationwide locations.
Subsequent large gatherings occurred at CU Jinju centers. Police investigations led to the recapture of 40 A-series stores on April 29, amid threats and incentives to strikers. Additional probes addressed violence during a 1:33 p.m. April 20 meeting, reclaiming 60 B-series sites, and a 10 p.m. April 19 gathering where 50 C-series collaborators faced harm.
City officials, including Gyeongnam Jinju Deputy Mayor Kim Young-hoon, witnessed post-agreement inspections alongside union leader Kim Dong-guk and BGF representatives.
