The Hyundai Motor Labor Union decided to raise its strike level again after the company failed to present any additional proposals regarding wages and bonuses during the resumption of wage negotiations after 41 days. The union will conduct partial strikes lasting four hours each by day shift and night shift on the 19th, 20th, 24th, and 25th, and will launch an eight-hour full strike along with a protest march to the company's headquarters in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, on the 21st.
According to the union and industry sources on the 18th, Hyundai Motor and its management held the 16th round of main wage negotiations starting at 2 p.m. that day. This marks the first negotiation session in 41 days since the 15th round was held last month. The negotiations concluded at 4:49 p.m., approximately two hours and 50 minutes later, with no schedule set for the next session.
This negotiation session took place after Choi Young-il Hyeon Dae-cha (CEO) visited the union office on the 14th to request a resumption of talks. The union postponed its planned six-hour partial strike scheduled for the day of negotiations and proceeded to the talks.
According to real-time updates from the union's negotiation, the company did not present any additional proposals for wage increases or a bonus increase plan of 50 percent during this session. Regarding the extension of the retirement age, the company proposed discussing the implementation timeline and the wage peak system through supplementary agreements immediately after relevant laws were amended.
In response to demands for reinstating dismissed workers, the company replied that it would discuss reinstatement by the end of the year after confirming the wishes of the individuals concerned and reviewing all relevant circumstances. The union stated that it cannot accept the company's proposals, as there were no additional offers on wages and bonuses, and the proposals regarding retirement age extension and reinstatement of dismissed workers fell short of expectations.
Lee Jong-cheol Hyeon Dae-cha-ji (Director) emphasized, "Watching the Kia negotiation situation brings up many thoughts," adding, "We will abandon any notion of isolating the Hyundai Motor union and will pursue our own path to secure separate demands." He further stated, "The next negotiation session will be conducted when there is a more advanced proposal through practical discussions."
Immediately after the negotiations, the union held its sixth Central Dispute Countermeasures Committee (Dispute Committee) meeting to finalize additional strike schedules. On the 19th and 20th, the union will conduct four-hour partial strikes and hold business unit reporting meetings. On the 21st, it will carry out an eight-hour full strike along with a protest march to its headquarters in Yangjae-dong, involving expanded executives and on-site committee members.
Partial strikes lasting four hours and election district reporting meetings will continue on the 24th and 25th, following the weekend. However, if main negotiations resume, any strikes scheduled for the day of negotiations will be postponed. The next Dispute Committee meeting is scheduled to be held on the 25th.
The area with the greatest divergence in positions between labor and management is the scale of wages and performance bonuses. On the 8th of last month, during the 15th negotiation session, the company presented a third proposal package including an 89,000 won increase in base pay, a performance bonus of 350 percent plus 10 million won, and the distribution of 15 shares. The union rejected this proposal, stating it did not meet members' expectations.
The union is demanding a 149,600 won increase in base pay, a performance bonus equivalent to 30 percent of last year's net profit, and an increase in bonuses from 750 percent to 800 percent. The demands also include extending the maximum retirement age to 65 years, linked to the timing of National Pension eligibility, and reinstating union members who were dismissed during past union activities.
Choi (CEO) reportedly conveyed during negotiations that Kia is also accelerating efforts to conclude its negotiations, expressing concern over wage losses for union members due to strikes and difficulties faced by parts suppliers. He clearly stated that labor and management should come together to finalize the negotiations at this time.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Motor Union conducted cumulative partial strikes totaling 44 hours from last month until the 14th of this month. The company side estimates that production disruptions caused by last month's strike exceeded 42,000 units. If all additional strike schedules are carried out, the scale of production disruption is expected to expand further.
in INDUSTRY
