Hyundai Motor Union Declares Breakdown in Wage Negotiations... Strike Vote to Be Held

Negotiations Collapse After 11th Round of Wage Talks

The Hyundai Motor labor union has declared a breakdown in negotiations after the 11th round of wage talks and will conduct a strike vote among its members.

On June 12 at the Ulsan plant headquarters, the Hyundai Motor union stated during wage negotiations, "The management ultimately refused to present a comprehensive proposal on 12 separate demands, including wage-related requests, and as a result, negotiations have collapsed. Our branch earnestly participated in the talks based on the legitimate demands of the field, but the management consistently avoided responsibility and delayed the process without presenting any accountable proposals."

They further emphasized, "The responsibility for the breakdown in negotiations lies not with the union members' demands, but with the management, which failed to provide answers. Good faith bargaining is proven not by words but by concrete proposals and decisive action. There will no longer be negotiations based on the sacrifice and concessions of union members."

The union plans to submit a request for dispute mediation to the Central Labor Relations Commission on June 15, and intends to hold a strike vote among all union members around June 25.

This year, the union sent its demands to management, which include an increase of 149,600 won in the monthly base wage (excluding seniority raises), a performance bonus equivalent to 30% of last year's net profit, and assurances regarding employment and working conditions related to artificial intelligence (AI). Additional demands include the implementation of a full monthly wage system, raising bonuses from 750% to 800%, reducing working hours without intensifying workloads, extending retirement age in line with the national pension eligibility age (up to 65), and hiring additional personnel.

Choi Youngil, CEO of Hyundai Motor, argued, "Shareholder protection regulations are being strengthened due to amendments to the Commercial Act regarding performance bonuses," and added, "It is difficult to make a comprehensive proposal at the practical level as the demands have not been fully organized. More negotiations are needed to narrow the differences in opinions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.