Hyundai, Kia unions in Korea to stage short strikes this week
by Youkyung Lee, The Associated Press
Similar action being taken by 34,000 workers at Hyundai affiliate Kia Motor Corp.
SEOUL, South Korea—Hyundai’s labour union said 46,000 workers will strike for four hours over two days this week as the union increases pressure on the automaker for higher wages and benefits.
Union spokesman Kwon Oh-il said talks with Hyundai Motor Co. management had made little progress.
The union demanded increased wages and benefits during three months of annual negotiations.
But the talks collapsed, and the union voted to strike for a second time in two years.
Labour strife has dragged down earnings at Hyundai and its Kia affiliate after unions elected hard-line leaders.
Earlier this year, Hyundai workers refused to work overtime for three weeks.
That resulted in lost output of 83,000 vehicles worth $1.5-billion, according to the company.
In 2012, the Korean automaker estimated it lost production of 82,000 vehicles worth $1.5-billion due to 92 hours of walkouts.
Another round of talks with Hyundai Motor Co. management is scheduled for Aug. 22.
Kwon said there is almost no chance of a breakthrough.
Hyundai estimated it would lose production of about 2,100 vehicles worth $39-million from the union’s four-hour strike and refusal to work overtime.
The union wants workers to get improved benefits, including $8,900 support to help children of unionized workers seek jobs if they don’t go to college, $116 increase in monthly base income, bigger bonuses and full reimbursement of medical expenses if workers are diagnosed with cancer.
Hyundai said last week that many of the union’s demands were hard to accept.
The labour union at Kia Motors Corp. is engaging in similar action.
Kia’s 34,000 workers decided to walk out for two hours on Aug. 21, according to the labour union’s website.
