Hyundai Motor’s largest labor union in South Korea issued a formal warning this week, stating that the company’s plan to introduce humanoid robots in its domestic assembly lines without prior consultation could result in the elimination of up to 4,500 positions over the next three years. The union also highlighted Hyundai’s recent announcement to shift production of its best-selling sedan model to a new U.S. facility by 2028, warning that the combined effect of automation and offshore capacity growth would deepen employment uncertainty. In internal presentations reviewed by union representatives, management projects that humanoid robots—capable of performing welding, painting, and parts assembly—could increase line efficiency by 25% by 2030. Union leaders argue these gains should translate into higher wages and upskilling programs rather than headcount reductions. They have demanded a binding agreement that any deployment of robots must be paired with a guaranteed 90% retention of current staff levels, as well as joint oversight of retraining initiatives. Failure to reach accord by the end of Q2 could trigger work stoppages across Hyundai’s five main Korean plants, where the union represents 36,000 workers and wields significant influence over production continuity.