South Korean metal workers union plans strike for July 15
The union representing 180,000 workers in the automobile and steel industries will strike to demand job security amid rising automation. Leaders seek employment guarantees as AI and robots are deployed while calling for broader wage negotiations to address the national income gap.
The metal workers' union in South Korea announced on Wednesday it will strike on July 15 to demand job security and wage reforms. The announcement followed a rally of 10,000 union leaders in Seoul on Wednesday. The labor action involves 180,000 workers across the automobile, shipbuilding, and steel sectors.
The union is calling for employment guarantees at car factories where companies are increasingly deploying robots and AI technology. The group also demands changes to wage negotiation systems to include suppliers in talks to narrow the national income gap. Workers at HYUNDAI MOTOR CO and HYUNDAI STEEL CO are among those represented by the umbrella group.
