HD Hyundai Heavy Industries recently announced the formation of a joint labor-management committee to better respond to the changing landscape of the shipbuilding industry. The committee aims to facilitate discussions around technological advancements and their impact on the sector, focusing on fostering cooperation between management and labor. Regular meetings will address changes in working methods associated with the implementation of smart shipyards and new technologies, as well as current issues related to employment, safety, health, and human resources.

Kim Dong-ha, head of the Metal Workers' Union at Hyundai Heavy Industries, expressed optimism that the committee would serve as a platform for both labor and management to articulate a shared vision for the industry's future, particularly as various changes, including potential job shifts, are anticipated during this industrial transition. The CEO of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Kim Seok-ho, emphasized the need for effective communication regarding the company's sustainability and job security for its workforce as the committee’s initiative is rooted in this necessity.

Amidst the backdrop of the domestic shipbuilding industry integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and deploying robots for tasks such as welding to construct smart shipyards, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is also planning to involve external experts in the joint committee to address concerns over potential job reductions. The proactive approach of establishing this committee signals the company's commitment to navigating the future of shipbuilding while balancing technological advancement with workforce stability.