Hyundai denies robot deployment part of striking workers' talks

According to a statement from Hyundai, the union's demands are centered on compensation-related issues, such as wage increases, bonuses, and an extension of the retirement age. The company emphasized that the potential deployment of robots in Korean production facilities is not part of the ongoing labor-management discussions. Hyundai expressed commitment to constructive engagement with the union to reach an agreement beneficial to both employees and the company.

The automaker highlighted that its current robot deployment plan is specifically for the Atlas humanoid robot at its Metaplant America electric vehicle factory near Savannah, Georgia, beginning in 2028. Any decisions regarding the deployment of Atlas robots at other facilities will be made thoughtfully, considering local operational needs and in consultation with workforce representatives.

However, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Hyundai Motor union has put forth "unprecedented demands seeking to enshrine job protections in the era of robots and AI," characterizing some compensation demands as a hedge against potential reductions in work hours due to automation. The union had previously cautioned Hyundai about the necessity of negotiations following the unveiling of the Atlas robot, developed by Hyundai subsidiary Boston Dynamics, at CES in January. An internal letter from the union reportedly stated that "without labor-management agreement, not a single robot using new technology will be allowed to enter the workplace."

Currently, Hyundai management and the labor union are reviewing a proposed wage reform. This reform aims to provide factory workers with greater income stability, even as the company plans to deploy humanoid robots. However, some experts have raised concerns that this wage overhaul, which would convert hourly pay for overtime and night-shift allowances into fixed wages, could potentially impact company productivity.