Hyundai Motor Union's Proposal of 'Social Corporatism' Draws Attention

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] The Hyundai Motor labor union has attracted attention for proposing a 'social corporatism' labor movement aimed at ending confrontational labor-management relations and promoting coexistence.

On the 27th, the Hyundai Motor union released a document titled "Discussing the Theory of Social Corporatism Labor." The document was created by the Hyundai Motor union to establish a new labor movement ideology in response to the industrial transition brought about by the advent of the eco-friendly future car era.

In the document, the union stated, "The management side should share new car research and development and future investment information with the union, and the union should be able to take the lead in quality and productivity responsibility," adding, "Reasonable job reassignment should be possible according to market conditions."

It further emphasized, "For the equation that quality equals volume and volume equals employment stability to hold true, management must undertake expanded investment in quality facilities and research and development."

The union presented social corporatism as including labor rights improvement movements, dispute resolution through tripartite consultations among labor, management, and government, and strengthening solidarity with socially disadvantaged groups.

The union explained, "In a low economic growth structure, it is a reality that members' interests cannot be represented solely through struggle," and added, "Without establishing a new labor movement, survival is impossible."