Hyundai Motor Workers Launch First Full-Day Strike in Decade

Approximately 39,000 union members of Hyundai Motor Co. launched a full-day strike on Friday, marking the first eight-hour walkout in 10 years. Production lines halted at plants in Ulsan, Jeonju, and Asan, while the Korea Metal Workers Union held a rally at the company's Seoul headquarters. The union has scheduled additional four-hour walkouts for Monday and Tuesday.

The labor action stems from stalled wage negotiations. Union members are demanding increased performance-based pay, a higher retirement age, and specific job protections to mitigate the impact of AI and automation. While the union remains open to negotiations pending forward-looking proposals, the two sides remain divided over bonuses and retirement terms.

Industry estimates suggest that cumulative strikes since May have cost the company over 2.3 trillion won in lost sales, representing approximately 55,200 vehicles. This unrest coincides with a period of sluggish domestic sales and intensifying competition from Chinese automakers in the European market. Hyundai Motor stated it is committed to finding solutions through dialogue to prevent further disruptions to its operations and partners.