Labor-management negotiations break down at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan shipyard, union plans partial strike

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 1, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries held the 18th round of major negotiations with the union regarding the 2026 wage and collective agreement, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement. The union rejected the company's first wage proposal presented that day and maintained its plan to implement phased partial strikes at the Ulsan shipyard starting September 2.

The company proposed a monthly base salary increase of 105,000 KRW, including a 35,000 KRW increase in seniority-based pay, along with a payment of 10 million KRW and bonuses and performance pay equivalent to 200% of the base salary. The union demanded a monthly base salary increase of 149,600 KRW excluding the seniority-based pay increase, while also proposing a 100% increase in bonuses, allocating at least 30% of operating profit to performance incentives, including vacation allowances in ordinary wages, and increasing hiring.

According to the schedule announced by the union, a 7-hour partial strike will first be held on September 2 involving union executive officers, negotiation committee members, and representatives, followed by phased 4-hour partial strikes across different business units. On September 8, the strike is planned to expand to some regular members, on September 10 it will involve members from the marine, engine, and support design businesses as well as those affiliated with HD Hyundai Mipo, and on September 15, a larger-scale 4-hour partial strike is planned for a broader range of members. Normal operations will be maintained on September 3 and 7.

Previously, the union held a strike vote from August 25 to 27, in which 5,607 of 8,127 members participated, with 5,379 voting in favor of the strike, accounting for 66.18% of all members. The union subsequently finalized the phased action plan on August 28. The labor and management sides have not terminated negotiations, and in September, the frequency of major negotiations is planned to increase from twice a week to three times a week, with working-level consultations continuing.