POSCO劳资谈判破裂，工会拟申请调解并启动罢工程序

POSCO management and its labor union failed to reach an agreement in this year's wage and collective bargaining talks despite holding six rounds of negotiations. The POSCO union plans to file for labor dispute mediation with the National Labor Relations Commission and begin dispute procedures in earnest.
The POSCO Labor Union, affiliated with the Federation of Korean Metal Workers' Trade Unions under the Federation of Korean Trade Unions and serving as POSCO's representative bargaining union, declared the talks broken off after holding the sixth round of main negotiations on the morning of the 23rd. POSCO's management and union continued negotiations that day over issues including wage increases, performance-based pay, and welfare benefits, but reportedly failed to find common ground.
"The union hereby declares the breakdown of the 2026 collective bargaining as of today," said Kim Sung-ho, chairman of the POSCO union. "If management continues to ignore the anger on the shop floor, we will not hesitate to take collective action in accordance with legal procedures."
The union's demands included a 7.1% increase in base pay, payment of a 600% incentive bonus, and the granting of 50 shares of employee stock ownership. Management, by contrast, proposed a 1.2% increase in base pay contingent on achieving the annual operating profit target, along with a 2 million won incentive payment, reflecting a continued deadlock.
The union argues that the company needs a compensation system to share its performance with employees over the long term. Management, meanwhile, maintains that given current business conditions, it is difficult to accept the union's demands, which would require twice the funding of last year's demands.
Following the breakdown of talks, the POSCO union plans to immediately file for dispute mediation with the National Labor Relations Commission that day and begin strike procedures. The union has already completed internal procedures, including a vote for industrial action. However, POSCO's management and union plan to continue additional negotiations during the mediation period.
"Considering the low-price offensive from China, the spread of global protectionism, and the unprecedented triple burden of high oil prices, high exchange rates, and high interest rates, it is difficult to accept the union's demands," POSCO said. "With employment stability and a sustainable future for labor and management as our top priorities, we will do our best to reach a reasonable and amicable agreement through continued communication with the union."