LABOUR unions at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Mipo are mounting joint opposition to the companies’ planned merger in December, citing concerns over job security and lack of consultation.

The unions issued a joint statement condemning management for failing to inform them about the “sudden merger” and demanding immediate disclosure of detailed merger plans and employment protection measures.

“We are firmly opposed to any restructuring or unilateral job reassignment resulting from the merger process,” the statement read.

While workers are not inherently against the combination, they fear potential job cuts and forced transfers.

“We are not opposed to the merger itself. However, we are against any potential employment instability, such as voluntary retirement or transfers imposed by management without union approval,” an HD HHI union member told Lloyd’s List.

The unions argued that HD Hyundai’s future success depends on building mutual respect between labour and management, rather than pursuing an “artificially merged” entity. They called for pre-emptive measures to restore trust before the new company’s establishment.

An HD Hyundai official declined to comment directly but confirmed the company held Q&A sessions with unions and expressed willingness to discuss their concerns.

The merger opposition comes amid escalating labour tensions. HD HHI workers staged a four-hour strike on August 29 following failed wage negotiations, marking their fifth partial walkout this year.

Additional strikes are planned from September 2-5, including a joint action by all three HD Hyundai shipbuilding subsidiaries on September 3.

Despite 20 rounds of wage talks this year, management and unions remain deadlocked on compensation agreements.