South Korea concrete delivery halt threatens Samsung, SK hynix chip plant work

Industrial action by South Korean truck drivers tasked to transport concrete is raising concerns over possible ​delays to major semiconductor plant expansion projects by ‌Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, South Korean media reported.

The National Ready-Mixed Concrete Transport Workers’ Union suspended deliveries in ​the Seoul metropolitan area starting on Monday, a ​work stoppage it said would involve around 8,000 ⁠members as it demanded higher rates and other changes.

Participating ​union members also blocked deliveries on Thursday from two ​concrete plants in Pyeongtaek, halting the pouring of concrete at the construction site for Samsung Electronics’ chip plant, the Chosun Ilbo reported.

Concrete ​work was also halted at SK Hynix’s Yongin ​chip plant after deliveries were cancelled, according to South Korea’s Newsis ‌news ⁠agency, citing industry officials.

SK Hynix said in a statement the short-term impact is expected to be limited, as the company has adjusted its construction sequence.

The union had earlier agreed a tentative ​deal with concrete manufacturers, but members rejected the ​proposal ⁠on Wednesday in a vote, prolonging the stoppage.

The short-term impact would likely be limited as builders had brought some ⁠work ​forward in anticipation of the ​disruption, Newsis said, but a prolonged stoppage could affect longer-term construction schedules. Reuters