Samsung Biologics’ labor union began a partial strike on the 28th after negotiations with management broke down.
About 60 union members in the materials aliquoting unit joined the walkout starting that day. The partial strike is scheduled to run through the 30th.
The union has demanded what it calls “setting personnel principles straight” and narrowing wage gaps within the group. Labor and management have held 13 bargaining sessions since their first meeting in December last year but failed to narrow differences.
The union said it will move to a full strike next month if there is no progress in talks. The action is the company’s first strike since it was founded in 2011. About 2,000 union members have reportedly indicated they are willing to participate.
A court, however, restricted strike activity in final-stage processes such as work to prevent drug deterioration and spoilage, and staff in those departments were excluded from the walkout.
Industry observers are watching the dispute closely as it comes while the company is expanding production facilities. They say the outcome could be a key factor in assessing the stability of Samsung Bio’s operations and its ability to manage risk going forward.
The company said it is working to minimize disruptions. “We are responding by using available personnel,” a Samsung Biologics official said, adding that the company plans to continue talks to resolve the issue.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.