"President Lee Says 'The World Is Coming Anyway'... Metal Workers' Union Responds: 'Is the State Just Letting the Cart Roll?'"

Union Rebuts President Lee's Remarks on 'Atlas' Deployment
"Negotiations Demanded Due to Anticipated Impact on Job Security"
"Union Bypass Criticism Distorted as Luddite Movement"

Amid growing anxiety among Hyundai Motor’s labor union regarding the deployment of the humanoid robot 'Atlas' to the production line, the union voiced its dissatisfaction toward President Lee Jaemyung, saying, "Is the role of the state just to let a rolling cart be?"

Hyundai Motor Union voiced dissatisfaction towards President Lee Jae-myung, saying, "Is the role of the state just to let a rolling cart be?" Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Metal Workers’ Union released a statement on the 29th in response to President Lee’s remarks, stating, "The Hyundai Motor branch pointed out the management’s ‘bypassing of the union’ by introducing Atlas and requested discussions in accordance with the collective agreement." The union added, "This stance has been distorted as a ‘21st-century Luddite movement’-something the union never engaged in." Furthermore, they explained, "The union demanded negotiations because it anticipates impacts on worker safety, work methods, and employment stability," and emphasized, "The president’s role is to ensure the stable maintenance and development of society, the benefit of the majority, and fair distribution." They continued, "Now is the time to listen to the union’s opinions and fulfill that role."

Previously, President Lee stated at a meeting with senior aides and advisors, "It seems that a certain labor union has declared that robots should not be allowed into the workplace because of production robots. I believe this is not real but rather part of their protest tactics." He continued, "In the past, when steam engines and machinery were introduced, there was a movement to destroy machines, known as the Luddite movement, out of fear they would take away jobs. You cannot avoid the massive cart rolling toward us. Ultimately, society must adapt quickly."

He went on to say, "We, too, are heading toward an era where AI robots will make their own decisions, analyze data, and work tirelessly on the factory floor 24 hours a day without eating or tiring, even in dark factories. This is unavoidable." He added, "Those who own the means of production will accumulate immense wealth, while the majority will find it difficult to secure jobs. Isn’t it predicted that jobs will become polarized? This is happening faster than expected."

He emphasized, "We must respond to this. I am not saying we should do this immediately, but we must start preparing, even if only gradually. If this is the world that is coming, we must be ready in advance. We must adapt. I hope we can give this issue a great deal of thought."

On the second day of CES, January 7 (local time), the robot Atlas demonstrated parts transportation at the Hyundai Motor booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in Nevada, USA. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the 22nd, Hyundai Motor’s union expressed concerns about the employment shock from the deployment of the robot 'Atlas' developed by Hyundai Motor, stating in a newsletter, "Not a single robot will be allowed in without labor-management agreement." On the 29th, the union released another newsletter, claiming, "Judging by the company’s recent moves, it appears they will first shift production volumes to overseas plants where robot deployment is possible." The union added, "With the remaining domestic production, they will try to fill in the puzzle, but the last empty space will likely be filled by idling domestic factories." The union further criticized, "It is obvious that these spots will be taken by new factories where robot deployment is possible or where automation is maximized."

Earlier this month, Hyundai Motor announced at 'CES 2026' in Las Vegas, USA, that it plans to deploy 'Atlas' at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia starting in 2028 for sequencing work to sort parts, and to expand its role to parts assembly by 2030.