Hyundai's union has further escalated its pressure on labor-management negotiations, extending its daily strike time from two hours to four hours. According to the Hyundai branch of the Korea Metal Workers Union on July 16, the union held a meeting that day and decided to hold a four-hour strike for three consecutive days from July 20 to 22. The union stated, "The company has not yet proposed a forward-looking negotiation plan. However, as soon as labor-management negotiations resume, the union will suspend the strike." Formal negotiations between Hyundai's labor and management have been deadlocked for over a week. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that although both sides have continued informal working-level communication and coordination since then, no substantial progress has been made. Currently, the biggest point of contention between labor and management is the union's "individual demands." In addition to raising the basic wage, the union insists on: increasing the bonus ratio from the current 750% to 800%; restoring the jobs of dismissed union members; and raising the retirement age. The union is taking a hard line on these demands and shows no signs of backing down. Industry insiders predict that if the two sides cannot narrow their differences next week, this year's wage and collective bargaining agreement negotiations may become a protracted stalemate.
