Hyundai Motor Union Starts Three-Day Strike Over Pay and AI Job Security

Hyundai Motor's labour union began a three‑day partial walkout on July 13, halting production for four hours each day until July 15. Workers are demanding a higher performance bonus, a larger base‑pay increase, an extension of the retirement age to 65 and guarantees that the introduction of AI‑driven robots will not threaten their jobs. The company offered a base‑salary rise of 89,000 won, a 350 % performance bonus, a 10 million‑won lump‑sum and 15 company shares, which the union rejected. It is pressing for a bonus equal to 30 % of last year’s net profit, an 800 % bonus multiplier and the reinstatement of dismissed members. Hyundai estimates the strike could cost about 200 billion won (≈$132 million) and could halt production lines that generate roughly 18.7 billion won per hour.

The dispute has also affected Hyundai’s share price, which fell 2.95 % on the news. The company plans to deploy Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robots at its U.S. plants from 2028, a move that has heightened union concerns about automation. In parallel, the GM Korea labour union announced a two‑day partial strike on July 15‑16, also over performance‑bonus and wage issues, demanding a 30 million‑won bonus per worker and a base‑pay increase. Both actions underscore growing tensions in South Korea’s auto sector as firms push forward with advanced robotics and AI technologies.