# POSCO labor union wage dispute and strike > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/posco-labor-union-wage-dispute-and-strike > Updated: 2026-09-15T08:52:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Labor unions at POSCO, part of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, initiated a 120-hour partial strike on August 16 following a failure to reach an agreement during wage and collective bargaining negotiations. The industrial action targets specific hot-rolled production lines at the Pohang and Gwangyang steelworks. The dispute centers on significant gaps in compensation demands: the union is seeking a 7.1% base pay increase, substantial incentives, and company stock options, while management has proposed a 2% base pay increase alongside various one-time incentives. Management has attributed its limited capacity for wage increases to economic pressures, such as rising U.S. tariffs and steel oversupply from China. Conversely, the union has expressed suspicion that management is “intentionally stalling negotiations.” The union has indicated it may expand the scope of the strike if progress is not made. In response to the walkout, POSCO stated it is implementing emergency measures to maintain production and prevent disruptions to domestic industries. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-15: South Korean manufacturers face labor unrest and wage disputes Labor unrest intensifies in South Korea as POSCO workers begin a 120-hour strike over wages, while SK hynix workers approve a revised wage agreement featuring increased cash performance bonuses. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/posco-labor-union-begins-120-hour-strike-over-wage-dispute ### 2026-09-13: POSCO labor unions announce 120-hour strike following failed negotiations POSCO management and unions will resume negotiations on August 15 to avert a planned 120-hour partial strike targeting key hot-rolled production lines starting August 16. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/posco-labor-unions-announce-120-hour-strike-following-failed-negotiations --- Cite as: POSCO labor union wage dispute and strike. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/posco-labor-union-wage-dispute-and-strike