UAW Criticizes Hyundai's Safety Failures and Exploitation Practices

Hyundai's Safety Practices Criticized by UAW

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has issued a strong condemnation of Hyundai's track record concerning worker safety. Allegations against the company include neglecting industry-standard safety measures, dismissing workers' unionization rights, and exploiting immigrant labor within their production processes. These issues extend to Hyundai's joint ventures and affiliated suppliers.

Recent incidents highlight these concerns, with three fatalities occurring at Hyundai facilities over the past two years. These tragic events underscore the potential dangers faced by workers in these environments.

In response to such risks, there is an opportunity for intervention by federal agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which possess mechanisms to enhance workplace safety. However, the UAW criticizes the current federal response, describing it as a "militarized crackdown," which they argue exacerbates safety issues rather than resolving them.

Emphasizing their commitment to worker protection, the UAW asserts, "Workers are not the problem. Exploitative corporations are." They reaffirm their support for both immigrant and native-born workers against unsafe working conditions and the adverse impacts of federal actions on their work environments.