Truckers rally to protest fuel costs

SEOUL, June 13 (UPI) -- South Korean truck drivers drove off the job Friday to join rallies to protest escalating fuel costs and to call on the government to ensure minimum wages.

The Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said more than 10,800 truckers stopped providing services, causing serious disruptions in major ports and other parts of the country, Yonhap reported.

Officials said that in port city of Inchon west of Seoul, the strike has effectively disrupted normal operations, with only 10 percent of trucks handling loads.

Companies like Hyundai Steel said the walkout has severely limited shipments to customers and the delivery of scrap metal.