Hyundai automotive works in South Korea have voted to reject a pay deal agreement that was reached between union heads and Hyundai management.
This proves not only that the independent spirit of the workers in South Korea is alive and well but that the Hyundai management probably has more to do in order to gain the trust of their workers. The workers voted 61% against the deal that was reached on Tuesday.
Under the basic terms of the deal, the company agreed to raise the monthly basic salary by 5.61% and pay a bonus equivalent to three months’ salary, plus a lump-sump payment of three million won (2,659 dollars). Hyundai management also noted that it would, as a part of the deal, get rid of its notorious all-night shift. The idea sounded good on paper, but was ultimately rejected by a worker’s population that clearly wanted more bang for their buck.
Negotiations for a new workers’ contract began in May. Workers have staged partial strikes since July, which the company says have cost about 480 billion won (425 million dollars) in lost production.
Hyundai automotive will need to get its house in order in South Korea in order to maintain production in the region. Sales are good internationally and Hyunda is the proud holder of the sixth largest automaker in the world. It, along with Kia Motors, forms the illustrious Hyundai Automotive Group. With several Hyundai dealer outlets doing well around the world, the HAG will continue to press for a higher position on the world’s largest automotive sales chart.