What strike schedule did Hyundai Motor workers announce this week?

The union said it will stage four-hour strikes on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by an eight-hour strike on Friday. It also plans four-hour partial strikes on Monday and Tuesday next week.

Why are Hyundai Motor workers striking over wages?

The union said management and labor failed to narrow their differences over pay after the 16th round of negotiations. The union is seeking a 149,600 won monthly base pay increase and a bonus tied to 30 percent of last year’s net profit.

What has Hyundai Motor management offered in the wage talks?

The company offered an 80,000 won increase in monthly base pay. It also proposed a performance bonus equal to 350 percent of monthly salary plus 10 million won, along with 15 shares of company stock.

Hyundai Motor workers again to stage partial strikes amid wage dispute

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Summary

Hyundai Motor workers will stage partial strikes throughout this week after failing to reach a wage agreement with management in Seoul on Tuesday. The union said it will hold four-hour strikes on Wednesday and Thursday, an eight-hour strike on Friday, and four-hour partial strikes on Monday and Tuesday next week. The 40,000-member union is demanding a 149,600 won monthly base pay increase and a bonus equal to 30 percent of last year’s net profit. Management has offered an 80,000 won base pay increase, a performance bonus worth 350 percent of monthly salary plus 10 million won, and 15 shares of company stock.

Key Facts

The union said it had already staged a combined 44 hours of partial strikes since wage talks began with management.
The two sides held their 16th round of negotiations earlier in the day before the latest walkout plan was announced.
The union wants a performance-based bonus equivalent to 30 percent of the company’s net profit for last year.
Management’s offer includes a 350 percent performance bonus, 10 million won, and 15 shares of company stock.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 18, 2026 8:35 pm KST
Updated Aug 19, 2026 1:16 am KST

Morning shift workers leave early after a four-hour partial strike at Hyundai Motor's plant in Ulsan's Buk District, Aug. 12. Yonhap

The labor union of Hyundai Motor said Tuesday it will stage partial strikes throughout this week after failing to reach an agreement with management over wages.

The automaker's union said it decided to stage four-hour strikes on Wednesday and Thursday and an eight-hour strike on Friday.

The union also said it will launch four-hour partial strikes on Monday and Tuesday as well next week.

So far, the union has staged a combined 44 hours of partial strikes since it started wage talks with the management.

The latest walkout comes after management and the union failed to narrow their differences over wages. The two sides last held their 16th round of negotiations earlier in the day.

The 40,000-member union is demanding a 149,600 won ($105.60) increase in monthly base pay and a performance-based bonus equivalent to 30 percent of the company's net profit for last year.

The company, however, has offered an 80,000 won increase in monthly base pay, a performance bonus equivalent to 350 percent of monthly salary plus 10 million won, as well as 15 shares of company stock.

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