Key facts
- Hyundai Motor workers initiated an eight-hour strike on Friday.
- This marks the first full-scale strike by the union in a decade.
- The union is demanding a 50% increase in performance-based pay.
- Other demands include reinstating dismissed union members and extending the retirement age.
- Cumulative production losses from strikes since May are estimated at 55,200 vehicles.
- Lost sales are projected to be over 2.3 trillion won ($1.64 billion).
The labor union of Hyundai Motor Co. launched a full-day strike on Friday, August 21, 2026, after failing to reach an agreement with management over wages. This marks the first eight-hour strike by the automaker's union in 10 years, impacting production lines at plants in Ulsan, Jeonju, and Asan. Approximately 39,000 union members are participating in the walkout.
Since wage talks began in May, the union has staged a total of 60 hours of strikes. These actions are estimated to have resulted in cumulative production losses of around 55,200 vehicles, with lost sales exceeding 2.3 trillion won ($1.64 billion), according to industry sources. The union plans further four-hour walkouts on Monday and Tuesday, potentially worsening production disruptions amid already sluggish vehicle sales.
The core disagreements revolve around wages, a proposed 50 percent increase in performance-based pay, the reinstatement of union members dismissed for illegal activities, and an extension of the retirement age.