Hyundai union begins three-day partial strike, halting production for 8 hours daily

The Hyundai Motor labor union is set to begin a three-day partial strike starting today, significantly disrupting production at the company's facilities. Union members will stop work for four hours per shift, leading to a total daily production line stoppage of up to eight hours.

This industrial action follows the union's rejection of the company's third offer, which included a monthly basic wage increase of 89,000 won (excluding incremental raises), a performance bonus of 350% plus 10 million won, and 15 company shares. The union argues this offer falls short of its members' expectations.

The union's demands are substantial, calling for a basic wage increase of 149,600 won (excluding incremental raises), performance bonuses equivalent to 30% of the previous year's net profit, an 800% increase in supplementary bonuses, an extension of the retirement age, and the reinstatement of laid-off workers.

Further discussions on the intensity of the ongoing labor dispute are scheduled for a central dispute resolution committee meeting on the 23rd. The union has also maintained its existing protest guidelines, which include refusing overtime work on weekdays and special weekend shifts.

Despite the planned strike, the union has indicated a willingness to postpone strike schedules on days when main negotiations with the company resume. This partial strike follows a previous round of partial walkouts where union members worked two fewer hours per shift from July 13th to 15th.