UAW files union-busting charges against Hyundai Motor

The U.S.-based labor union United Auto Workers (UAW) filed unfair labor practice charges against Hyundai Motor for alleged illegal union-busting activities.

Members of the United Auto Workers attend a solidarity rally as the union goes on strike against General Motors, Ford and Stellantis on Sept. 15 in Wayne, Michigan. [AFP/YONHAP]

The United Auto Workers (UAW) filed unfair labor practice charges against Hyundai Motor for alleged illegal union-busting activities at its U.S. plant.

The U.S.-based labor union said Monday it had filed charges with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board, contending that Hyundai tried to prevent workers from discussing UAW representation at its plant in Alabama and discriminated against those who had engaged in discussions.

"At Hyundai's Montgomery, Alabama plant, management has unlawfully confiscated, destroyed, and prohibited pro-union materials in non-work areas during non-work times," the union said in a statement. "Hundreds of workers continue to sign up to win their union despite this illegal interference and intimidation."

UAW President Shawn Fain criticized Hyundai, saying the company is "breaking the law in an attempt to get autoworkers to sit down and shut up instead of fighting for their fair share."

Hyundai immediately denied the accusation, adding that it respects all workers' right to join a union.

"The union's characterization of events in its press statement does not present an accurate picture," Hyundai said in a statement. "Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama team members may choose to join a union or not as is their legal right, and this has been true since our plant opened in 2005."

The union filed the same charges against Honda Motor and Volkswagen.

While the UAW had a months-long fight with three big automakers — General Motors, Ford and Stellantis — Hyundai Motor also announced that it will hike wages for its non-unionized workers at its Alabama factory by 25 percent by 2028.

Hyundai Motor Group also plans to pay higher wages at its electric vehicle factory in the U.S. state of Georgia, which will open in late 2024.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]