Chief Executive Choi Young-il of Hyundai Motor on the 10th expressed regret after the labor union decided to strike over issues including the reinstatement of dismissed workers and extending the retirement age in this year's wage talks.
In a statement sent to employees at the Ulsan plant that day, Choi said, "I express deep regret over returning to the path of a strike for reasons such as the reinstatement of dismissed workers and extending the retirement age." He added, "All that was gained from strikes was irrecoverable production losses, wage damage, and sharp criticism from customers and the public," and said, "At a time when we must seek a turnaround in results through new model launches in the second half, production disruptions must not occur."
At the 15th bargaining session held on the 8th, Hyundai Motor presented a third proposal that included raising the monthly base salary by 89,000 won, performance pay of 350% plus 10 million won, and 15 shares of stock. The union, however, said it fell short of meeting members' expectations and noted, "We resolved to conduct a partial strike for two hours each day from the 13th to the 15th."
Choi said, "To smoothly conclude the talks, after repeated decisions we effectively presented the best possible plan for this year," adding, "This was a decision not to betray the wishes of employees who do not want further breakdowns in bargaining, parts and partner companies, and customers."
On the demands for reinstating dismissed workers and extending the retirement age, Choi took a tough stance. "For a lawful dismissal, on what grounds and reasons could we reinstate someone whose dismissal has already been adjudicated?" he said, adding, "The reinstatement of dismissed workers is not a subject of labor-management bargaining, a point clearly confirmed by legal grounds and by the National Labor Relations Commission."
On extending the retirement age, he said, "With legislative discussions raging in political circles, individual labor and management at corporations cannot reach a conclusion first," adding, "This is a matter we agreed to discuss after legislation at the collective bargaining table just 10 months ago." He further emphasized, "We make it clear the company can never decide on an extension plan aimed at carrying through union demands before legislation, nor on the basis that much time has passed since the dismissals."