Hyundai Mobis lamp unit resumes strike after labor deal

May 12, 2026, 09:47 am

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The exterior of Unitus’ Gimcheon Plant 1, a lamp subsidiary of Hyundai Mobis. /Unitus

The labor union at Unitus, a lamp-making subsidiary of Hyundai Mobis, has decided to resume an indefinite strike just one day after reaching an agreement with management on job security measures, raising concerns that internal divisions within the union could further intensify tensions surrounding the planned sale of the lamp business.

According to industry sources on Tuesday, the emergency strike committee of the Gimcheon Hyundai Mobis branch under the Korean Metal Workers’ Union announced on May 11 that all union members would enter an indefinite full-scale strike starting May 12 until further instructions are issued.

The union had been on strike since April 27 in protest against the sale of the lamp business, arguing that management failed to sufficiently consult workers during the process. Earlier on May 11, however, labor and management reached an agreement that led to the withdrawal of the strike, only for the decision to be reversed hours later.

The union is also planning a protest rally on May 13 in front of Hyundai Mobis headquarters in Seoul’s Gangnam district.

Earlier, Unitus and the union signed an agreement aimed at ensuring the sustainable growth of the lamp business and employment stability. The agreement included provisions on job retention, employee benefits, and consolation payments.

Management pledged to maintain existing working conditions, including wage systems and support for vacation and medical expenses. It also promised to preserve current personnel policies regarding positions, retirement age, and annual leave.

In addition, regular employees currently on staff were promised a consolation payment equivalent to the total amount of performance bonuses paid over the past five years, along with a 50 million won “new start” incentive payment.

Despite the agreement, dissatisfaction reportedly emerged within the union over compensation levels and how the benefits would be applied.

Earlier this year, Hyundai Mobis signed a memorandum of understanding with French auto parts company OPmobility regarding the sale of its lamp business and has been continuing negotiations.

Industry observers say the dispute could become prolonged as opposition continues at the industrial union level despite the labor-management agreement on employment stability. There are also concerns that additional strikes following the planned Seoul protest could disrupt lamp production.

#Hyundai Mobis #Unitus #lamp business #strike #labor union