Hyundai Motor Considers Temporary 60-Hour Workweek... "Considering Win-Win with Partners"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Hyundai Motor Company is considering a temporary 60-hour workweek to support its partner companies struggling with reduced production due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the 18th, Hyundai Motor announced that it proposed practical discussions regarding a maximum 60-hour workweek to the labor union. Currently, Hyundai Motor operates on a basic 40-hour workweek, plus 8 hours of Saturday overtime, totaling about 48 hours. The company plans to discuss expanding working hours up to 60 hours by increasing weekend overtime or adding extra weekday overtime.

Last month, Hyundai Motor halted operations at its Ulsan, Asan, and Jeonju plants due to disruptions in the supply of wiring harness parts produced at its local factories in China amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Repeated shutdowns reportedly resulted in a production loss of approximately 100,000 units last month. As parts supply gradually stabilizes this month, Hyundai aims to increase production, focusing on high-demand models such as the Palisade, Grandeur, and GV80.

In particular, this expansion of working hours is directly related to partner companies facing greater difficulties due to Hyundai Motor’s production disruptions. At a COVID-19 recovery meeting for small and medium-sized enterprises held by Ulsan City on the 12th, auto parts manufacturers proposed extending working hours to recover losses.

For now, the labor union plans to hold an executive meeting to organize its stance on the company’s request for practical discussions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.