A labor dispute over the growing use of humanoid robots has escalated after thousands of members of the Korean Metal Workers' Union voted to strike in response to a major automaker's plan to deploy more than 25,000 humanoid robots across its manufacturing facilities.

The action marks one of the first large-scale labor disputes directly linked to the introduction of humanoid robots into industrial production, highlighting rising concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on manufacturing jobs.

Production Slowdown and Financial Impact

Following the breakdown of negotiations, workers launched a partial strike that has significantly disrupted production at one of the company's manufacturing plants.

According to reports cited by The Wall Street Journal, employees have been stopping work for four hours during each shift, effectively shutting down production lines for half of the working day.

The disruption is expected to reduce vehicle production by approximately 5,000 units and lower the company's sales revenue by around $135 million.

Union officials have warned that if management refuses to compromise, the industrial action could be expanded into longer or even full-scale strikes.

Concerns Over Job Replacement

The dispute centers on the automaker's plan to introduce thousands of Atlas humanoid robots, developed by Boston Dynamics.

Standing about 188 centimeters (6 feet 2 inches) tall and capable of lifting loads of up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds), the robots are designed to perform a variety of manufacturing tasks.

Although the robots have not yet been deployed, union leaders argue that workers must secure contractual protections before large-scale automation begins.

Union Demands

Union representatives are seeking stronger job security guarantees as artificial intelligence and automation become more deeply integrated into manufacturing operations.

Their demands include:

Job protection measures against AI-driven automation.
Higher bonuses reflecting the company's profitability.
Replacing the hourly wage system with fixed salaries.
A formal agreement giving workers a decisive role in future decisions regarding the deployment of humanoid robots.

Byun Jun-hwan, Secretary-General of the Korean Metal Workers' Union and the union's chief negotiator, said employees must secure safeguards before automation expands further.

"We need to prepare now to ensure there are proper protections," he said.

A New Chapter in Automation

The strike reflects the growing tension between rapid advances in robotics and concerns over employment security. As manufacturers increasingly invest in AI-powered automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs, labor organizations are pushing for stronger protections to ensure technological progress does not come at the expense of workers.

The dispute is expected to become a closely watched case as manufacturers worldwide accelerate the adoption of humanoid robots across industrial operations.