(ATTN: UPDATES with Kia's labor dispute in last 3 paras; ADDS photos, byline)

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- The labor union of Hyundai Motor Co. launched a full-day strike Friday after failing to reach an agreement with management over wages, raising concerns about further production disruptions amid sluggish vehicle sales.

It marks the first time in 10 years that the automaker's union has staged an eight-hour strike.

Production lines at Hyundai Motor's plants in Ulsan, Jeonju and Asan are set to be halted for a combined 16 hours across two work shifts, with about 39,000 union members participating in the walkout.

Including Friday's walkout, the union has staged a combined 60 hours of strikes since wage talks with management began in May.

The continued strikes are estimated to result in cumulative production losses of around 55,200 vehicles, with lost sales exceeding 2.3 trillion won (US$1.64 billion), according to industry sources.

Production disruptions are expected to worsen as the union plans additional four-hour walkouts Monday and Tuesday.

The latest labor action comes after management and the union failed to narrow their differences over wages, a proposed 50 percent increase in performance-based pay, the reinstatement of union members dismissed over illegal activities and an extension of the retirement age.

Also on Friday, the labor union of Kia Corp., Hyundai Motor's sister company, approved a plan to stage partial strikes from Wednesday through Friday after failing to narrow differences with management over wages.

The union is demanding a 149,600 won increase in monthly base pay and a performance bonus equivalent to 30 percent of the company's operating profit last year.

If the union proceeds with the planned walkouts, they would mark Kia's first strike in six years.

ejkim@yna.co.kr

(END)

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