Union workers from Hyundai Motor leave two hours early as part of their partial strike at the carmaker's factory in Ulsan, July 13.
Yonhap Korean carmakers are facing mounting labor unrest, as stalled wage negotiations raise the risk of widespread strikes that could further undermine their earnings already hit by slowing global demand and lingering tariff pressures from the United States.
Following ongoing walkouts at Hyundai Motor, both Kia and Renault Korea have now secured the legal right to strike after government-led mediation efforts failed.
The prospect of prolonged work stoppages comes as domestic automakers are reporting weaker second-quarter earnings and preparing for summer factory shutdowns.
Additional production disruptions in the third quarter could weigh heavily on carmakers’ profitability and ripple through parts suppliers and logistics companies.
