Unionized workers at the Hyundai Motor Group have decided to stage a general strike if the government invokes its right to emergency arbitration.

Union representatives from the Korean Metal Workers’ Union on Wednesday made the decision at a meeting in Seoul.

This comes after Labor Minister Lee Ki-kweon said last week the government would consider calling for the emergency measure if the trade union and management fail to iron out a compromise and end a strike at Hyundai Motor.

Under existing law, the labor minister can invoke the right when a labor dispute is related to public services that can endanger the national economy or the daily lives of the general public.

If the emergency arbitration is invoked, the relevant union is required to immediately suspend labor action for the following 30 days, while the National Labor Relations Committee starts the process of mediation.

If concerned parties fail to find middle ground, the committee chief can present formal arbitration.

Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers decided to join the union to protest the government’s move to invoke the right.