Unionized employees at Samsung Biologics have returned to their posts as of Wednesday, concluding a five-day walkout. However, the union has confirmed that negotiations with the biotech giant will persist under a work-to-rule campaign, signaling ongoing labor discussions.
A union representative stated that “no areas where consensus has been reached” exist at present. Workers intend to strictly adhere to safety protocols and operational guidelines as part of their continued protest during the work-to-rule period, emphasizing their commitment to workplace standards.
Further talks are slated, with a one-on-one meeting between a union negotiating representative and an official from Samsung Group’s biotech arm scheduled for later today. This will be followed by a crucial tripartite meeting involving the union, company management, and the labor ministry, anticipated to occur on Friday, according to officials.
Key union proposals include an increase in one-time incentive payments for workers. Additionally, the union advocates for the establishment of a labor-management cooperation fund, designed to share a portion of the company’s profits with the local community and partner vendors, underscoring a broader commitment to corporate social responsibility.
In response, Samsung Biologics affirmed its commitment, stating, “We will engage in the talks with our utmost sincerity as we have agreed to two more rounds of talks this week,” indicating a willingness to resolve the ongoing dispute.
The initial five-day walkout commenced last Friday, with approximately 2,800 out of 4,000 union members actively participating, as reported by the union. This significant participation highlights the scale of the industrial action.
Notably, this marks the first industrial strike by employees since Samsung Biologics’ establishment in 2011, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the current labor challenge for the company.
Among the core demands, unionized workers are seeking a substantial 14 percent increase in both base pay and performance-related compensation. Furthermore, they are calling for a one-time cash incentive of 30 million won (approximately $20,390) per worker, alongside bonuses equivalent to 20 percent of the company’s annual operating profit, reflecting their desire for significant remuneration improvements.
