South Korea: Kia Motors autoworkers plan to hold partial strikes in multiple locations Dec. 14-18 /update 1

Event

Unionized Kia Motors autoworkers are planning to hold an additional series of partial strikes at the car manufacturer's plants in multiple South Korean cities Dec. 14-18 to demand higher pay and bonuses. Participants will hold four-hour strikes during the day and night shifts at Kia Motor plants in Gwangju, Gwangmyeong, and Hwaseong Dec. 14-17; six-hour strikes are planned at the facilities on Dec. 18. Participation in the actions will probably be significant; workers have held a series of partial strikes demanding higher pay in previous weeks and months.

Autoworkers could hold protests during the labor actions, and several hundred workers could participate if demonstrations occur. The most disruptive protests will likely happen outside factories, though gatherings are possible at other locations in affected cities. Striking workers may block access roads, causing localized transport disruptions. Police could tighten security around the company's facilities as a precaution.

Advice

Limit exposure to likely protest sites. Allow additional time to reach destinations if traveling or operating near Kia Motors facilities due to the potential for localized traffic disruptions.