Hyundai Motor's labor union initiated a full-day strike on Friday after failing to reach a wage agreement with management, raising concerns about further production disruptions amid sluggish vehicle sales. This marks the first eight-hour walkout by the union in ten years.

Workers from both shifts at the company's plants in Ulsan, Jeonju, and Asan participated in the strike, resulting in approximately 16 hours of halted production lines, with about 39,000 union members taking part. Since wage negotiations with management began in May, the cumulative strike time, including Friday's action, has reached 60 hours.

Industry insiders estimate that the sustained strikes have led to a production shortfall of roughly 55,200 vehicles, with sales losses exceeding 2.3 trillion Korean won (approximately $1.64 billion). With the union planning two additional four-hour strikes on Monday and Tuesday next week, production disruptions are expected to intensify further.

The latest labor action comes as management and the union failed to narrow their differences over key issues, including base pay, a proposed 50% increase in performance bonuses, reinstatement of union members dismissed for alleged illegal activities, and extending the retirement age.