Hyundai Motor’s union stages first full strike in 10 years

South Korean Hyundai Motor's union has staged its first full strike in a decade, escalating labour unrest in the country following the election of pro-labour leader President Lee Jae Myung. The one-day work stoppage, which includes Hyundai Motor, affiliate Kia Corp and their suppliers, is being held at Hyundai's headquarters in Seoul on Friday at 2 pm.

The strike comes after wage talks have stalled, with the union demanding a higher retirement age, job protections against AI and automation, and increased bonuses. Hyundai's global sales target for the year is now in jeopardy due to competition from China and falling sales in South Korea. The union's demands are in line with President Lee's pledge to gradually increase the mandatory retirement age in one of the world's fastest-ageing nations.

Hyundai, which owns robot maker Boston Dynamics, plans to deploy humanoid robots at its US plant in Georgia from 2028. However, the union and the automaker remain at odds over the retirement age and bonuses, with the union urging Hyundai to submit forward-looking proposals. Hyundai Motor has stated its commitment to finding solutions through dialogue, acknowledging that strike action could impact customers, partners and operations.