The labor union of Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea’s leading automaker, on Thursday decided to launch a two-day partial strike next week amid stalled negotiations with the company over wages and working conditions.

The union said it has decided to stage four-hour walkouts on Wednesday and Thursday next week. The company and the union have held 11 rounds of wage negotiations since late May.

The labor union has rejected the company’s proposal package, which includes a basic monthly salary increase of 106,000 won (US$77), an incentive bonus of 350 percent on individuals’ monthly salary and other incentives.

The union’s demand includes a salary increase of 159,000 won, a 900 percent incentive bonus and the introduction of a four-hour workday on Fridays.

The two sides have reached an agreement to hire 1,100 new manufacturing workers by 2026.

If executed, the walkout would be the first for the company in six years. Hyundai Motor’s union has not carried out a strike in the past five years, taking into considerat
ion various factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and national trade issues.

Last month, nearly 90 percent of unionized workers voted in favor of a walkout amid stalled negotiations.

Source: Yonhap News Agency