The labour union of Hyundai Motor Co, South Korea's leading automaker, on Thursday decided to launch a two-day partial strike next week amid stalled negotiations with the company over wages and working conditions, reported Yonhap news agency. The union announced that it will stage four-hour walkouts on Wednesday and Thursday next week. Negotiations between the company and the union have been ongoing, with 11 rounds of wage negotiations held since late May. The labour union has rejected the company's proposal package, which includes a basic monthly salary increase of 106,000 won (US$77), an incentive bonus equivalent to 350 per cent of individuals' monthly salary, and other incentives. The union's demand includes a salary increase of 159,000 won, a 900 per cent incentive bonus and the introduction of a four-hour workday on Fridays. Both sides have reached an agreement to hire 1,100 new manufacturing workers by 2026. If executed, the walkout would be the first for the company in six years. Hyundai Motor's union has not carried out a strike in the past five years, taking into consideration various factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and national trade issues. Last month, nearly 90 per cent of unionised workers voted in favour of a walkout amid stalled negotiations. Source: BERNAMA News Agency