Following Hyundai Motor, signs of a potential strike are emerging at Kia and Hyundai Mobis, key subsidiaries of the Hyundai Group. The Metal Workers' Union has announced plans for partial strikes in the auto sector, including Hyundai Group affiliates, on August 20-21, raising concerns about production disruptions across the group.
According to industry sources on August 13, the Central Countermeasure Committee of the National Metal Workers' Union issued a 'Strike Guideline No. 2' the previous day. The targeted companies include auto parts manufacturers and Hyundai Group affiliates that have secured the right to strike but have not reached an agreement during negotiations. These facilities will conduct strikes lasting over four hours on August 20 across all shifts.
On the following day, August 21, all shifts at completed vehicle plants will strike for more than six hours. On the same day, union members from both completed vehicle and parts companies will hold a protest rally in front of the Hyundai Group headquarters in Seoul.
The Hyundai Motor Union has already initiated partial strikes during this year's wage and collective bargaining negotiations to pressure management. If Kia and Hyundai Mobis join the strike, it could lead to widespread production disruptions from finished vehicle assembly to parts supply across the group.
The Kia management and union resumed practical negotiations on August 11 and are seeking common ground in their wage negotiations. Reports indicate that management proposed a wage increase of 93,000 won, a performance bonus of 350% plus 11 million won, and 45 shares.
The Hyundai Mobis union is currently discussing whether to participate in the strike scheduled for August 20. Starting August 18, 14 Hyundai Mobis branches will sequentially engage in negotiations.
A Hyundai Mobis official stated, "There are common demands and branch-specific requests, so negotiations will proceed at the branch level," adding that the decision on strike participation will also be made by each branch.
This month is expected to be a critical turning point in labor negotiations within the Hyundai Group. If Kia and Hyundai Mobis join the strike, it will increase pressure on management and further burden production across the entire group.
The Hyundai Motor Union conducted its first partial strike from July 13-15, stopping production for two hours each day, followed by additional strikes from July 20-22 and July 29-31, halting production for four hours each day. These three partial strikes resulted in a total production disruption of 60 hours, with an estimated loss of 42,510 vehicles.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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