Labor disputes surrounding the sale of SK Siltron continue as negotiations over job security, working conditions, and compensation remain unresolved. The union plans to escalate its response if the company does not present satisfactory proposals regarding its core demands.
As of August 28, industry sources report that the SK Siltron labor union has been conducting protests in front of the SK Serin Building in Jongno, Seoul, since August 26, urging SK to make responsible decisions and implement protective measures for its employees.
The central issue in this conflict is the employment and treatment of workers following the sale of SK Siltron. SK Group is pursuing the sale as part of efforts to improve its financial structure and reorganize its business portfolio. SK Siltron, which produces silicon wafers, a key material for semiconductors, has its main production facilities in Gumi.
The union does not oppose the sale itself but insists on clear guarantees for employment and working conditions post-sale. They have outlined three core demands: formal job security, complete transfer of working conditions, and reasonable compensation, and are currently negotiating with the company.
Negotiations between the union and the company are ongoing regarding job security, working conditions, and compensation following the sale. On August 27, the company presented a proposal, but it fell short of the union's expectations, preventing an agreement.
The union argues that since the sale is driven by financial considerations at the group level rather than SK Siltron's operational struggles, protective measures for employees must be established during the sale process. They also emphasize the need to consider the impact of changes in investment and employment policies on local suppliers and the industrial ecosystem in Gumi, which is the main production base.
The union plans to continue negotiations while also escalating protests, with a large-scale demonstration scheduled for September 3, involving SK Siltron executives, union members from SK Group affiliates, and the Metal Workers' Union solidarity organization. On August 28, they held a meeting with the Metal Workers' Union to discuss the current negotiation status and future strategies.
The SK Siltron union stated, "Just because a proposal has been made does not mean that the rights and working conditions of our members are guaranteed. We will continue negotiations and protests until we achieve satisfactory results regarding job security, complete transfer of working conditions, and fair compensation that our members can accept."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.