Hyundai workers stage first full-day strike in 10 years

Workers at Hyundai Motor Co. launched an eight-hour strike on August 21 after failing to reach a wage agreement with management, raising concerns about further production disruptions amid weak vehicle sales.

The walkout is the first full-day strike by Hyundai’s union in 10 years. Production at the company’s plants in Ulsan, Jeonju and Asan was scheduled to halt for a combined 16 hours across two shifts, with around 39,000 union members taking part, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Including Friday’s action, the union has staged a total of 60 hours of strikes since wage negotiations began in May. Industry sources estimate the disruptions have resulted in production losses of around 55,200 vehicles and lost sales exceeding 2.3 trillion won ($1.64 billion).

The union plans additional four-hour walkouts on August 24 and 25, potentially increasing production losses.

The dispute centres on wages, a proposed 50% increase in performance-based pay, the reinstatement of union members dismissed over illegal activities and an extension of the retirement age.

Meanwhile, the union at Kia Corp., Hyundai Motor’s sister company, approved a plan for partial strikes from August 26 through August 28 after failing to reach an agreement with management.

Kia workers are demanding a 149,600-won increase in monthly base pay and a performance bonus equivalent to 30% of the company’s operating profit last year. If carried out, the planned walkouts would be Kia’s first strikes in six years.

By Sabina Mammadli