Hyundai workers strike over pay, bonuses as AI worries loom

Hyundai Motor’s labor union began a three‑day partial walkout on Monday, July 8, 2026, after wage talks broke down. Workers will halt production for four hours each day—two hours per shift—until Wednesday, demanding a 149,600‑won monthly base‑pay rise, a performance bonus equal to 30 % of last year’s net profit, an 800 % bonus, an extension of the retirement age, and reinstatement of dismissed workers. Management had offered an 89,000‑won monthly raise, a 350 % bonus plus 10 million won, and 15 company shares, which the union rejected. The action, driven by fears that AI and robotics will threaten jobs, could cost the company about 200 billion won (≈ US$132 million), according to Maeil Business Newspaper. An overnight sit‑in also began Monday, and workers in sales, maintenance and the Namyang R&D centre may join depending on their situation. Hyundai plans to deploy humanoid robots such as Atlas at its U.S. plants starting in 2028, fueling union concerns about automation spreading to Korea. For Nigerian consumers, a prolonged strike could delay shipments of Hyundai vehicles and affect local prices, while workers in Nigeria’s auto sector should watch automation trends that may impact future jobs; keeping an eye on official Hyundai Nigeria announcements will help anticipate any supply or price changes.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/07/13/hyundai-motor-begins-three-day-strike-after-wage-talks-fail/