But none of the employees have received a second round of bonuses worth 4.5 million won (US$4,200) per person, which was originally set to be delivered on April 6. The first round of bonuses worth 6 million won was provided in February.

Last week, Kazem said, “Given the current financial difficulty of the company, regrettably at this time we are unable to make the second lump sum payment from the 2017 wage deal.”

As for the regular wage payment for this month, the executive said all-out efforts are being made “to have sufficient funds to make such payments, and (the company) will keep employees informed of the outlook,” he said.

As part of its global business restructuring, GM announced in February that it will shut one of its four car assembly plants in the country by May, and it has sought concessions from the union in wages and some work benefits so as to remain in operation. Such demands have yet to be accepted by workers.

The U.S. carmaker has also asked the state-run Korea Development Bank to extend a financial helping hand. The state lender will decide whether to extend fresh loans to the carmaker depending on the results of due diligence scheduled to be completed this month.

In the three years through 2016, GM Korea posted 1.974 trillion won in accumulated net losses due to a lack of new models and lower demand. (Yonhap)