Hyundai Union to Vote on Strike Over Job Security Amid Automation Push

The labor union at Hyundai Motor is poised for a potential strike, with a vote among all members scheduled for June 24. The core issue is securing employment guarantees as the company integrates artificial intelligence and robotics into its production lines. This demand adds a new layer of complexity to traditional wage negotiations.

Union representatives are pushing for a significant increase in the base wage, specifically 149,600 won per month excluding seniority raises. They also seek 30% of the company's net profit from the previous year. These demands reflect the union's efforts to ensure workers benefit from the company's financial success while addressing concerns about job security in an increasingly automated industry.

Negotiations between the union and management have reached an impasse after 11 rounds of talks since May 6. The union declared negotiations failed on June 12 and subsequently applied for mediation from the Central Labor Relations Commission. When mediation also failed to produce an agreement within the allotted 10 days, the union is now proceeding with the strike vote. If a majority of members approve, the union will secure the legal right to strike, potentially disrupting production at one of South Korea's largest automakers.