The Hyundai Motor chapter of the Korean Metal Workers' Union said on the 21st that "talks are possible at any time if the company has a proposal." The Hyundai Motor union has been struggling in this year's wage talks with management and began a four-hour partial strike on the 20th.
In a bulletin from the Central Countermeasures Committee that day, the union said accordingly, "If the company has no proposal, we will make it so they have to present one." With more than 10 days having passed since the 15th round of talks on the 8th without holding a main bargaining session, the union appears to be pressuring management to present an additional offer.
Earlier, management delivered a third offer that included: ▲ a 89,000-won increase in monthly base pay (excluding step increases) ▲ a performance bonus of 350% + 10 million won ▲ a grant of 15 shares in company stock. The union, however, is demanding: ▲ a 149,600-won increase in monthly base pay (excluding step increases) ▲ a performance bonus equal to 30% of last year's net profit ▲ an 800% increase in bonuses ▲ reinstatement of dismissed workers ▲ an extension of the retirement age.
Hyundai Motor labor and management are continuing working-level negotiations behind the scenes, but they are reportedly unable to narrow differences over issues such as increasing bonuses, extending the retirement age, and welfare measures for members dismissed for illegal acts during past union activities.
The union launched its first strike of the year on the 13th, carrying out a two-hour partial strike per shift for three days, and held a four-hour partial strike that day following the day before. Technical workers either stop work four hours earlier than usual and go home or attend a briefing rally in front of the headquarters building.
If no additional proposal comes from management despite this strike, the union plans to revisit whether to stage additional strikes. Initially, Hyundai Motor labor and management had been negotiating with the goal of reaching a deal before early August summer vacation. Considering the schedule for announcing an agreement and holding a membership vote, a tentative agreement needs to be reached by this week.