Hyundai Motor Union Launches 3-Day Partial Strike After Wage Talks Break Down

(Seoul, 13th - CNA综合外电报道) After labor-management wage negotiations collapsed, Hyundai Motor, South Korea's largest automaker, began a three-day partial strike today.

According to AFP, union members at Hyundai Motor will halt production for four hours each day from today through the 15th, demanding higher performance bonuses, wage increases, and delayed retirement age.

The strike comes as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the automotive industry, heightening worker concerns over job security.

Hyundai's union and management began negotiations in May but failed to reach an agreement, with the fifth round of talks breaking down on July 8.

A union official stated, "We will stop production lines for four hours daily from the 13th to the 15th, with two hours each during day and night shifts."

The union said employees in sales and maintenance departments, as well as staff at the Namyang R&D Center, may join the strike depending on their circumstances.

South Korea's Maeil Business Newspaper reported the strike could cost the company 2 trillion won (approximately NT$4.25 billion).

Union leaders have also begun an overnight sit-in protest today.

Previously, management proposed a plan including an 89,000-won monthly base pay increase (approx. NT$1,890), a performance bonus equivalent to 3.5 times base salary, an additional 10 million won bonus, and 15 shares of company stock.

The union rejected this proposal, demanding a 149,600-won monthly base pay increase, a performance bonus equal to 30% of last year's net profit, an additional bonus equivalent to eight times base salary, delayed retirement age, and reinstatement of dismissed workers.

Choi Yeong-il, Vice President of Hyundai Motor, expressed "deep regret" over the strike in a statement to employees at the Ulsan plant.

He stated, "Production disruptions should not occur at a time when the company hopes to launch new models in the second half to improve profitability."

The strike coincides with advances in robotics technology, raising industry concerns.

Hyundai plans to deploy humanoid robots like Atlas in its U.S. plants starting in 2028. While the company has not announced plans for South Korean plants, analysts believe robot integration into domestic production lines is only a matter of time.

The union will decide on further actions on the 15th after the three-day partial strike concludes. (Translation: Shih Shih) 1150713