Samsung Biologics has requested a delay for its second mediation session originally scheduled for September 15. The cancellation of the focused negotiations aimed at reaching a wage and collective agreement before the Chuseok holiday has raised concerns about the prolonged negotiations.
According to industry sources on September 10, Samsung Biologics submitted a formal request to the Incheon Regional Labor Relations Commission to postpone the second mediation session. After completing the first mediation on September 8, the company and the union had planned to conduct focused negotiations over two days on September 10 and 11, followed by the second mediation on September 15. However, the company has now requested to delay this session.
The company's request for a delay came after the union publicly disclosed the contents of the first mediation and criticized the company's negotiation stance. The union stated that since submitting a revised proposal in June, the company has not provided any concrete proposals, indicating a lack of sincerity in the negotiations. They released meeting minutes and statements to employees and the media to support their claims.
Samsung Biologics pointed out that the union has filed seven legal disputes against the company and its CEO for unfair labor practices ahead of serious discussions. The company also noted that some union executives have spread false rumors, such as claims about double-digit wage increases being decided by others, which undermines mutual respect and trust. They further accused the union of unilaterally disclosing meeting minutes and distorting some content to distribute materials criticizing the company to all employees.
The company views the mediation not as a genuine dialogue but as a means for other purposes. They expressed deep regret over the situation and emphasized their commitment to engaging in responsible and sincere negotiations to bridge the gap between the two sides and reach a satisfactory agreement.
The union, however, expressed surprise at the company's request to delay the second mediation. Union Chairman Park Jae-sung stated, "It is difficult to understand that the company requested a delay citing trust issues." He added, "We cannot agree with the claim that we have fabricated false information."
This delay has introduced uncertainty into the previously planned timeline for reaching an agreement before the Chuseok holiday. The mediation committee had instructed that negotiations should be concluded by September 20 to 22 at the latest, aiming for a resolution before the holiday.
According to industry sources on September 10, Samsung Biologics submitted a formal request to the Incheon Regional Labor Relations Commission to postpone the second mediation session. After completing the first mediation on September 8, the company and the union had planned to conduct focused negotiations over two days on September 10 and 11, followed by the second mediation on September 15. However, the company has now requested to delay this session.
The company's request for a delay came after the union publicly disclosed the contents of the first mediation and criticized the company's negotiation stance. The union stated that since submitting a revised proposal in June, the company has not provided any concrete proposals, indicating a lack of sincerity in the negotiations. They released meeting minutes and statements to employees and the media to support their claims.
Samsung Biologics pointed out that the union has filed seven legal disputes against the company and its CEO for unfair labor practices ahead of serious discussions. The company also noted that some union executives have spread false rumors, such as claims about double-digit wage increases being decided by others, which undermines mutual respect and trust. They further accused the union of unilaterally disclosing meeting minutes and distorting some content to distribute materials criticizing the company to all employees.
The company views the mediation not as a genuine dialogue but as a means for other purposes. They expressed deep regret over the situation and emphasized their commitment to engaging in responsible and sincere negotiations to bridge the gap between the two sides and reach a satisfactory agreement.
The union, however, expressed surprise at the company's request to delay the second mediation. Union Chairman Park Jae-sung stated, "It is difficult to understand that the company requested a delay citing trust issues." He added, "We cannot agree with the claim that we have fabricated false information."
This delay has introduced uncertainty into the previously planned timeline for reaching an agreement before the Chuseok holiday. The mediation committee had instructed that negotiations should be concluded by September 20 to 22 at the latest, aiming for a resolution before the holiday.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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