Hyundai Motor Union Begins Three-Day, 4-Hour Partial Strike Amid Stalled Negotiations

The labor union of Hyundai Motor Company began a four-hour partial strike today (July 20) due to difficulties in this year's wage negotiations.

This marks the fourth strike of the year, and the intensity has doubled compared to last week.

Following the strike, morning shift technical (production) workers who started their shift at 6:30 a.m. stopped working at 10:50 a.m. to either leave the plant or attend a rally within the facility.

The afternoon shift, which begins at 3:30 p.m., will leave work at 7:30 p.m. today.

The regular day shift will strike from 12:40 p.m. to 4:40 p.m., and general staff will strike from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The union plans to continue the four-hour daily strikes until July 22.

Negotiations between labor and management remain at a standstill.

No formal negotiations have been held for over ten days since the 15th round of talks on July 8.

While working-level officials from both sides have met occasionally, it is reported that there have been no significant results.

If labor and management fail to reach an agreement by July 24, negotiations will likely be pushed until after the summer break.

There is also a high possibility that the strike will be prolonged.

The union stated, "We will not be obsessed with reaching a settlement before the summer break," adding, "If they want a struggle, we will go to the end."

The company maintains that the union is hindering progress with demands unrelated to this year's wage negotiations, such as extending the retirement age, reinstating dismissed employees, and increasing bonuses.

The company has currently proposed an increase of 89,000 won in monthly base salary, a performance bonus of 350% plus 10 million won, and the provision of 15 company shares.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.