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

South Korean Hyundai Motor workers went on their first full-scale strike in over a decade on Friday, after talks over wages hit a standstill. The labor action, led by the Korea Metal Workers Union, includes strikes at Hyundai Motor, Kia Corp, and their suppliers, who plan to hold a rally outside Hyundai's Seoul headquarters at 2 pm.

The one-day walkout, affecting production of 55,200 vehicles valued at over 2.3 trillion won ($1.67 billion), highlights the growing labor unrest in the country following the election of pro-labor President Lee Jae Myung in 2022. The union is demanding a higher mandatory retirement age, currently set at 60, to align with the president's pledge to gradually increase the limit in South Korea's rapidly aging population.

They also seek to raise bonuses to 800% of the monthly base salary from 750%, as well as job protections amid the company's increasing use of AI and automation. Hyundai, which owns humanoid robot maker Boston Dynamics, plans to deploy such robots at its US plant in Georgia by 2028. However, negotiations over the retirement age and bonuses remain unresolved, and the union remains open to resuming talks.

Hyundai insists it is committed to finding solutions through dialogue, acknowledging that strike action could impact customers, partners, and operations.