Hyundai Motor three-day partial strike

Hyundai Motor's labour union, the Korean Metal Workers Union, began a three-day partial strike on July 13, 2026, after wage negotiations with management failed. Workers halted production for four hours daily (two hours per shift) from Monday to Wednesday, demanding a higher base pay increase, performance bonus tied to net profit, retirement age extension, and reinstatement of dismissed workers. Management offered an 89,000 won monthly raise, a bonus of 350% of monthly pay plus 10 million won, and 15 shares, which the union rejected. The strike is expected to disrupt production of about 5,000 vehicles and cost over 200 billion won ($132-133 million) in lost sales. Union leaders also launched an overnight sit-in and refused weekend overtime. Executive Vice President Choi Yeong-il expressed regret, stating the company would not improve its offer due to the strike. The union will decide on further action after the walkout. The strike occurs amid concerns over job security from AI and robotics, as Hyundai plans to deploy humanoid robots in US plants by 2028. Labor tensions are spreading to other Korean automakers: Hyundai Motor Company — Kia held a rally, General Motors — GM Korea workers refused overtime, and Renault is preparing a strike vote.