1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses the demands made by the Hyundai Motor Union for their upcoming wage and collective bargaining negotiations. The union is seeking significant increases in basic pay, bonuses, and retirement age, as well as the inclusion of experienced rehired workers as union members.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 노조 | noJo | labor union | The labor union has finalized its demands for this year’s wage and collective bargaining negotiations. |
| 기본급 | gibon-geum | basic pay | The union is demanding a 141,300 won increase in basic pay. |
| 인상 | insang | increase | The union is seeking a 141,300 won increase in basic pay. |
| 조합원 | johap-won | union member | The union is pushing for experienced rehired workers to be granted union member status. |
| 상여금 | sang-yeo-geum | bonus | The union is demanding a 900% bonus payment. |
| 정년 | jeong-nyeon | retirement age | The union is seeking to extend the retirement age to a maximum of 64 years. |
| 재고용 | jae-go-yong | rehiring | The union is pushing for experienced rehired workers to be granted union member status. |
| 통상임금 | tongsan-imeum | regular wage | The union is demanding that various allowances be included in the regular wage calculation. |
| 수당 | su-dang | allowance | The union is seeking increases and the addition of new job-specific allowances. |
| 신규 인력 | sin-gyu in-ryeok | new hires | The union is demanding the recruitment of new employees. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
현대자동차 노동조합은 내달 교섭을 앞두고 올해 임금 및 단체협약(임단협) 요구안을 확정했다. 노조는 기본급 14만1천300원 인상, 상여금 900% 지급, 정년 연장 등을 요구하고 있다.
The Hyundai Motor Union has finalized its demands for this year’s wage and collective bargaining negotiations. The union is demanding a 141,300 won increase in basic pay, a 900% bonus payment, and an extension of the retirement age.
올해 요구안에는 기본급 14만1천300원 인상과 전년도 순이익의 30% 성과급 지급, 상여금 900% 지급, 정년 연장 등이 담겼다. 또한 통상임금에 각종 수당 포함, 직군·직무별 수당 인상·신설, 신규 인력 충원, 퇴직자 지원센터 건립 등도 요구한다.
This year’s demands include a 141,300 won increase in basic pay, a 30% performance-based bonus payment based on the previous year’s net profit, a 900% bonus payment, and an extension of the retirement age. The union is also demanding the inclusion of various allowances in the regular wage calculation, increases and the addition of new job-specific allowances, the recruitment of new employees, and the establishment of a retirement support center.
정년 연장과 연계해 숙련재고용자에게 조합원 자격을 주는 방안도 추진한다. 회사는 숙련재고용자에 총 2년(1년+1년) 근무를 보장하고 임금은 신입사원 수준으로 지급하고 있다. 노조는 확정된 요구안을 사측에 전달할 예정이다.
In connection with the extension of the retirement age, the union is also pushing for experienced rehired workers to be granted union member status. The company currently guarantees a total of 2 years (1 year + 1 year) of employment for experienced rehired workers, with their wages set at the level of new hires. The union plans to present its finalized demands to the company.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What are the main demands made by the Hyundai Motor Union in their upcoming wage and collective bargaining negotiations?
- How does the union’s demand for experienced rehired workers to be granted union member status relate to the extension of the retirement age?
- What other demands does the union have, besides increases in basic pay and bonuses?
- How does the company currently treat experienced rehired workers in terms of employment duration and wage levels?
- What is the next step for the union after finalizing their demands?
5. Cultural and historical notes
Labor unions in South Korea have historically played a significant role in negotiating for better working conditions and benefits for their members. The Hyundai Motor Union’s demands reflect the ongoing efforts of Korean unions to secure improved wages, job security, and retirement benefits for their workers.