South Korea's metal workers' union plans to strike on July 15

Hanwha Ocean Co

10/06/2026 09:31

    SEOUL, June 10 (Reuters) - South Korea's metal workers' union said on Wednesday it would strike on July 15 to demand job security as more companies use AI technology and robots, as well as for broader wage negotiations to narrow the country's income gap. 
The union said in a statement that it would call for employment guarantees for workers at car factories where robots and AI are increasingly being deployed. It will also demand changes to wage negotiation systems to include suppliers in the talks, it added. 
About 10,000 leaders in the umbrella union held a rally in central Seoul on Wednesday, announcing the plan. 
South Korea is facing more labour disputes after technology giant Samsung Electronics 005930.KS booked record earnings in its latest quarter amid a global AI boom, fuelling debate over how much companies should share such profits with employees. 
The umbrella union represents 180,000 workers in metal-related industries including automobiles, shipbuilding, and steel. 
Unions at South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor 005380.KS, steel maker Hyundai Steel 004020.KS and shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean 042660.KS belong to the group. 

(Reporting by Heejin Kim; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
((Heejin.Kim@thomsonreuters.com;))