[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] A nationwide strike by truck drivers affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) is disrupting the supply chain of ready-to-eat meals at CU convenience stores, operated by BGF Retail.

According to reports on February 17, unionized delivery drivers from the Cargo Truckers Solidarity under the Public Transport Workers’ Union have blocked access to a BGF Food plant in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province. As a result, BGF Retail notified franchise store owners that same-day deliveries and new orders would be suspended.

The disruption is expected to affect at least 18 ready-meal product lines produced at the plant, with order placements likely to be halted starting February 18.

The impact is widening across the region. Products from the Jincheon facility were scheduled for distribution to more than 2,000 CU stores, raising concerns over empty shelves during the weekend. Ready-to-eat meals are a key revenue driver for convenience stores, intensifying the financial strain on franchise owners.

The strike, which began on February 7, is centered on demands for improved working conditions for delivery drivers. Blockades have also been reported at major logistics hubs in Hwaseong and Anseong (Gyeonggi Province), Naju (South Jeolla Province), and Jinju (South Gyeongsang Province), extending disruptions to refrigerated and frozen goods.

Franchise owners have voiced growing frustration. A CU franchisee association held a press conference in Seoul on February 16, warning that declining sales and customer loss are threatening their livelihoods. “Store owners, who have no control over logistics or labor negotiations, are bearing the brunt of the damage,” the group said, calling for an immediate end to the strike.

Industry observers note that expanded bargaining rights under recent labor law changes may be contributing to the dispute, as unionized drivers are seeking negotiations with companies such as BGF Logistics and BGF Retail, despite lacking direct contractual relationships.

BGF Retail said it is reviewing alternative production options to minimize disruptions.

 

 

 

[ⓒ 알파경제. 무단전재-재배포 금지]