Preparations for Strikes in South Korea
Union workers in South Korea are preparing for a series of strikes planned for the middle of the week. Protest actions will take place on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at various plants. Among the workers’ demands are a shorter work week, increased wages, and performance-based bonus payments.
Impact on Hyundai Production
Despite Hyundai’s recent record sales in the US, the situation in South Korea is significantly more complex. The strikes will affect a number of facilities, including plants in Asan, Jeonju, and Ulsan. This could impact the production of models such as the Hyundai Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade, Sonata, and Grandeur, as well as the Genesis G70, G80, G90, GV60, GV70, and GV80.
Duration and Scale of the Strikes
The strikes will be relatively short: on Wednesday and Thursday they will last only two hours, and on Friday – four hours. However, the list of models that could be affected is quite extensive and includes many other vehicles.
Workers’ Demands
Union members are demanding a number of changes, including a transition to a four-and-a-half-day work week and an increase in the retirement age from 60 to 64 years. They are also seeking a monthly wage increase of $102 and a bonus equivalent to 30% of the company’s net profit from last year.
Company’s Reaction and Future Prospects
86% of workers voted in favor of the strikes, despite the company’s proposal to raise wages and introduce a bonus system. These proposals proved insufficient to meet the union’s demands. Although full-scale wage strikes have not occurred for almost a decade, the situation remains tense, and its development will depend on further negotiations.
These events are taking place against the backdrop of global changes in the automotive industry, where increasing attention is being paid to working conditions, automation, and competition. Hyundai, as one of the key manufacturers, faces the need to balance production efficiency with social challenges, which is particularly relevant in the context of rapid technological progress and economic instability.