Unionised workers at Kia held a partial strike this week to press their demand for a wage increase and other fringe benefits.
The walkout by some 30,000 workers, the second since last week, followed a break down in talks between union leaders and management. A further four how stoppage is expected today (Friday).
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The union wants a special bonus amounting to 30% of the company’s net profit last year, which reached KRW3.8 trillion (US$3.4bn). It is also asking for an increase of KRW130,000 in basic pay and a gradual extension of the retirement age up to 65.
Kia said that management would make a counterproposal regarding basic salary, and other compensation demands tomorrow.
Union leaders at sister company Hyundai have opened a fresh round of negotiations with management over a similar pay demands and increased fringe benefits.
Hyundai’s 46,000 unionised workers walked out for 5 for eight hours on Wednesday, the fifth time since last Tuesday. Hyundai’s workers have downed their tools every year since 1986 except for 1994, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Kia’s union has gone on strike every year except in 2010 and 2011 since 1999, when the company was taken over by Hyundai following the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis.
