The union said on Sunday it decided to postpone the strike and resume talks since neither the public nor the union wants the strike.

Some 63 percent of unionists voted for the strike at an assembly on Saturday. The decision to postpone the walkout is an unusual move.

Hyundai Motor union representatives shout slogans deciding on a strike at a meeting at the carmaker's assembly hall.

Hyundai's management said, "We welcome the union's forward-looking decision. We will try our best to reach an agreement as soon as possible."

Kia Motors' union representing non-regular workers, which launched a strike last month by occupying the painting line of Kia's plant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, ended the occupation at midnight on Friday. The plant will resume normal operations at 8:30 Monday morning.

The union represents employees of Kia's painting contractors. The occupation began when the management of Kia's 20 contractors rejected a demand by the union for collective wage negotiations.

Kia Motors said on Sunday, "It may be the first time that the union of regular workers ended a strike by the union of non-regular workers. With this current union (the 19th), the idea that the union can survive only if the company survives has begun to gain acceptance."

(englishnews@chosun.com )