[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Seoul, August 27, 2025 — SK IE Technology (SKIET) announced the introduction of an unpaid leave program for its domestic workforce as part of self-help measures to strengthen competitiveness and weather a temporary slowdown in electric vehicle demand, often referred to as the “EV chasm.”



According to industry sources, the company held a town hall meeting on August 27 to notify employees of the program. Eligibility covers staff with more than two years of service at its Seoul headquarters, Daejeon R&D Center, and Jeungpyeong plant in North Chungcheong Province.



Employees may apply for leave in increments of six months, with a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years. The program does not impose restrictions on reasons for applying, allowing flexibility for childcare, family care, health, or education. Benefits will remain in line with existing unpaid leave policies.



SKIET has reported six consecutive quarters of negative EBITDA since the first quarter of last year, citing declining capacity utilization and reduced sales of separator products due to slowing EV market growth.



The move mirrors similar measures by affiliate SK On, which last September implemented a voluntary retirement program and offered up to two years of tuition support through an unpaid leave option for self-development.



Analysts note that companies are increasingly turning to unpaid leave programs rather than large-scale restructuring, as they provide flexible work options while broadening employees’ choices.



In parallel, SKIET said it will continue efforts to improve performance through increased sales in North America and Europe as well as expanded sales of energy storage system (ESS) products.

 

 

 

[ⓒ 알파경제. 무단전재-재배포 금지]