Kia workers ratify wage deal, extending six-year strike-free streak

Kia's union members have voted to ratify this year's tentative wage and collective bargaining agreement, allowing the automaker to wrap up labor negotiations for the sixth consecutive year without a strike since 2021.

Of the 24,710 total union members eligible to vote Friday, 22,479 cast ballots, representing a turnout of about 91 percent.

The wage proposal passed with 14,409 votes in favor and 8,027 against, a 64.1 percent approval rate. The collective bargaining agreement was approved by 14,178 members, with 8,190 opposed, for a 63.1 percent approval rate.

Labor and management began formal negotiations on June 4 and held 12 rounds of talks before reaching the tentative agreement on Tuesday.

The deal includes a 100,000 won ($72) increase in base pay, a performance bonus of 300 percent plus 4 million won, and a quality-improvement incentive of 100 percent plus 4.7 million won. Workers will also receive a 4 million won bonus commemorating Kia's 2026 Autocar Awards win and 47 company shares as a collective bargaining settlement bonus.

Workers will also receive an additional 500,000 welfare points if the company hits its production and sales targets for the year. Combined cash performance and incentive bonuses amount to 400 percent plus 12.7 million won.

Labor and management also agreed to jointly address serious industrial accident prevention and the transition to future industries to ensure job stability. The two sides agreed to contribute 4 billion won to a social contribution fund for community support and other purposes.

With the ratification, Kia has now concluded collective bargaining without a strike for six consecutive years since 2021. A signing ceremony is scheduled for Monday at AutoLand Gwangmyeong.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor's labor and management also reached a tentative wage and collective bargaining agreement on Tuesday. The Hyundai Motor union is set to hold its own ratification vote on Monday.