Hyundai hires women auto technicians for the first time in S. Korea

SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co. recruited female technicians for automobile manufacturing in South Korea for the first time, following union pressure to improve gender equality.

The world’s third-largest automaker hired six women out of 200 new technicians, the first time it allowed females to apply for the position since the company started in 1967, according to a statement from Korea Metal Workers’ Union on Monday.

Hyundai previously allowed women who were hired by subcontractors to work as temporary employees, until the arrangement was struck down by the Korean Supreme Court in 2012.

Women now account for 2% of 28,000 technicians in Korea, mainly former temporary workers converted into regular employees, said Kim Min Jung, executive director of women’s activities at the union.

When Hyundai posted the position on its website - the first such public openings in a decade - unions and activists pushed the carmaker to increase the number of women it employed in Korea’s male-dominated society.

Hyundai plans to employ an additional 500 people for the position and the union said it expects more women to get hired.

Hyundai is working to create an inclusive environment that gives female employees autonomy and provides support for career development, according to its report on ESG policy. The company didn’t respond to a request for comment.