Workers at South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor began voting on a potential strike following a deadlock in wage talks with management. The union and company management have held 17 rounds of negotiations this year without reaching an agreement on the union’s demands for higher wages and performance bonuses. The union demands a 141,300 won ($102) increase in the basic monthly wage per worker and distribution of 30% of Hyundai’s annual net profits as variable pay linked to performance. They also seek bonuses equivalent to nine months’ salary per worker, up from the current seven and a half months, and an increase in the retirement age from 60 to 64 years. Hyundai Motor’s net profit rose 7.8% annually to 13.22 trillion won in 2024. The union decided to hold the vote after management failed to present proposals.

If more than half of the 42,000 union members vote in favor, the union will have the legal right to strike, although many believe an actual strike is unlikely in the near future.