The Samsung Biologics labor union is ramping up pressure ahead of its second planned strike at the end of this month by holding a rally at its workplace. Negotiations between labor and management over wages and personnel systems have stalled after three rounds of mediation, indicating a prolonged conflict.
According to the Samsung Biologics Win-Win Labor Union, a rally is scheduled for noon on the 21st in front of Gate 1 at the Incheon Songdo facility, expecting around 2,000 participants. Following the rally, the union plans to initiate a three-week strike starting on the 26th.
The core issues in the labor dispute are the proposed wage increase and performance bonus criteria. The company has suggested a 6.2% increase in base salary along with a one-time payment, while the union is demanding a 9.5% increase in base salary and a performance bonus equivalent to 15% of operating profit.
Additionally, the union has included demands for improvements in personnel systems and increased transparency in management practices. The union claims it has refrained from collective action during the mediation period but asserts that the company has not made substantial proposals necessary for an agreement.
The two sides held their first mediation meeting at the Incheon Regional Labor Relations Commission on September 8 and have sought common ground in three subsequent meetings, but have yet to reach a resolution.
The conflict has been ongoing since spring. After negotiations broke down on March 23, the union conducted a partial strike in April and then initiated its first full strike from May 1 to May 5, marking the first such action in the company's history.
Since then, the union has continued a legal strike by refusing overtime and holiday work. Unlike the first strike, which lasted five days, the upcoming second strike is planned for three weeks, raising concerns about the potential impact if the conflict continues.
The contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business for biopharmaceuticals operates on long-term supply contracts with clients, and industry analysts warn that a prolonged strike could affect production schedules, delivery timelines, new orders, and client trust.
Samsung Biologics stated, "The company will continue to keep communication channels open with the union while ensuring stable operations and safety management during the rally and other collective actions."
According to the Samsung Biologics Win-Win Labor Union, a rally is scheduled for noon on the 21st in front of Gate 1 at the Incheon Songdo facility, expecting around 2,000 participants. Following the rally, the union plans to initiate a three-week strike starting on the 26th.
The core issues in the labor dispute are the proposed wage increase and performance bonus criteria. The company has suggested a 6.2% increase in base salary along with a one-time payment, while the union is demanding a 9.5% increase in base salary and a performance bonus equivalent to 15% of operating profit.
Additionally, the union has included demands for improvements in personnel systems and increased transparency in management practices. The union claims it has refrained from collective action during the mediation period but asserts that the company has not made substantial proposals necessary for an agreement.
The two sides held their first mediation meeting at the Incheon Regional Labor Relations Commission on September 8 and have sought common ground in three subsequent meetings, but have yet to reach a resolution.
The conflict has been ongoing since spring. After negotiations broke down on March 23, the union conducted a partial strike in April and then initiated its first full strike from May 1 to May 5, marking the first such action in the company's history.
Since then, the union has continued a legal strike by refusing overtime and holiday work. Unlike the first strike, which lasted five days, the upcoming second strike is planned for three weeks, raising concerns about the potential impact if the conflict continues.
The contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business for biopharmaceuticals operates on long-term supply contracts with clients, and industry analysts warn that a prolonged strike could affect production schedules, delivery timelines, new orders, and client trust.
Samsung Biologics stated, "The company will continue to keep communication channels open with the union while ensuring stable operations and safety management during the rally and other collective actions."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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