Negotiations Stalled: How the Delay in BGF Logistics and Cargo Union Agreement Affects Workers’ Rights

The Cargo Solidarity division of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers’ Union and BGF Logistics postponed a signing ceremony scheduled for the 29th after negotiations over details — including how to restore the honor of a union member who died — ran late.

The two sides had produced a collective agreement after overnight talks and had planned a signing at the Jinju branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor. But they could not finalize the precise wording and continued discussions late into the night.

After 11 hours of talks from 6:00 p.m. the previous day until 5:00 a.m., the parties reached a tentative agreement on practical issues such as higher transportation fees and expanded time off. However, they have not yet finalized measures to restore the honor of the member who died in the April 20 incident.

BGF Logistics has signaled its agreement with the overall intent of the deal but has been reportedly cautious about specific language related to restoring the deceased member’s honor. The exact time and place for the postponed signing have not been set.

The dispute stems from the death of a union member during a rally in front of the Jinju CU logistics center on April 20. Since their first meeting on April 22, labor and management have held five rounds of talks. Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon visited the site last night to mediate.

With the signing delayed, officials expect the lifting of the blockade at the Jinju CU logistics center and truckers’ return to the site to be postponed as well.