Hyundai Motor and Kia unions are seeking larger performance bonuses and expanded stock-based compensation in South Korea's current wage and collective bargaining negotiations. Hyundai's union is demanding a bonus equivalent to 30% of last year's net profit, while Kia's union wants a bonus funded by 30% of last year's operating profit and at least 246 company shares per member, worth about 40 million won, or $28,000, based on the share price when the demands were drafted. Management proposals remain focused on cash and established stock awards: Hyundai initially offered 15 shares, in line with its typical 15-to-25-share awards, while Kia offered 45 shares. The stock-based demands follow a labor-management agreement at SK Hynix under which 60% of a performance bonus tied to 10% of operating profit would be paid in company stock. Although a percentage-based stock bonus was not formally on this year's agenda, industry observers expect it could become a major issue as early as next year, amid employee dissatisfaction with executive-centric stock options and rising Hyundai Motor and Kia share prices linked to expectations for their robotics businesses and other initiatives.