Why did POSCO workers launch a partial strike over wages and compensation?

The union began the strike after failing to narrow differences with management over wages and other compensation. The two sides remain far apart on key wage issues, including base pay and bonuses.

POSCO workers stage partial strike over wage dispute

Q: How many POSCO workers joined the strike at the Pohang and Gwangyang plants?

The 48-hour partial strike began at 7 a.m. with 40 workers at the Pohang plant and 80 at the Gwangyang plant. The union said the walkout lasted two days.

Q: What wage demands are POSCO workers making in the dispute?

The union is asking for a 7.1 percent base pay increase, a 600 percent performance bonus, 50 company shares per worker and a 200 percent holiday bonus. Management has offered a 2 percent base pay increase.

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Summary

POSCO workers began a two-day partial strike in Pohang and Gwangyang on Wednesday after failing to narrow differences with management over wages and other compensation. The walkout is the first strike by POSCO workers since the company was established in 1968. The union said 40 workers at the Pohang plant and 80 at the Gwangyang plant joined the 48-hour strike.

Key Facts

POSCO said the limited number of workers in the strike is expected to have little impact on steel production.
The company has about 17,000 employees, of whom around 10,100 are union members.
The union demanded a 7.1 percent base pay increase, a 600 percent performance bonus, 50 company shares per worker and a 200 percent holiday bonus.
Management proposed a 2 percent increase in base pay.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 9, 2026 8:18 am KST

Vehicles pass the main gate of POSCO Co.'s steel plant in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, Aug. 18. Yonhap

The labor union of Korean steelmaker POSCO Co. on Wednesday began a two-day partial strike after failing to narrow differences with management over wages and other compensation.

The walkout marks the first strike by POSCO workers since the company was established in 1968.

The 48-hour partial strike began at 7 a.m. involving 40 workers at the Pohang plant and 80 at the Gwangyang plant, according to the labor union.

POSCO has about 17,000 employees, of whom around 10,100 are union members.

The company said the limited number of workers participating in the strike is expected to have little impact on steel production, adding it will take measures to prevent disruptions to overall plant operations.

The union has demanded a 7.1 percent base pay increase, a 600 percent performance bonus, 50 company shares per worker and a 200 percent holiday bonus.

Management, meanwhile, has proposed a 2 percent increase in base pay, leaving the two sides far apart on key wage issues.

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