HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (097230.KS) has become the first South Korean shipbuilder to complete this year's wage and collective bargaining talks. The agreement, signed on the 28th after negotiations that began in May, was approved by 69.4% of union voters on Sept. 17 after the sides reached a tentative deal on Sept. 16. It provides an 80,000 won increase in base pay, a 6 million won performance incentive for 2026 and a 2 million won settlement bonus. The company said the agreement was reached through dialogue and compromise without industrial action, while CEO Yoo Sang-chul said labor-management trust would support stronger competitiveness and sustained growth. HJ Shipbuilding plans to focus on productivity and technological capabilities in eco-friendly and high-value-added vessels, special-purpose ships and naval vessel maintenance, repair and overhaul, or MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul).