Internal conflicts among union members at Samsung Electronics are escalating. Disagreements between the semiconductor division (DS, Device Solutions) and the finished products division (DX, Device Experience) have led to plans for legal disputes, particularly among DX union members.
According to industry sources on May 15, there are increasing calls within Samsung's internal community to file an injunction against the Super Union Labor Union Samsung Electronics Branch (Super Union), which is currently negotiating with management, to request a wage agreement and prohibit strikes.
To support this initiative, members are currently raising funds for legal fees. They plan to select a law firm soon and finalize specific demands. With less than a week until a potential general strike, the process is expected to move quickly.
This movement appears to be primarily driven by DX union members, who feel sidelined in recent labor negotiations. They are questioning the representation of the Super Union, which is centered around DS members. Reports indicate that hundreds of DX union members are participating, and a significant amount of funds has already been raised.
In response to DS union members adding 'strike' to their internal messenger profiles, DX members are advocating for the inclusion of 'Oppose DS Strike' in their profiles.
This push stems from dissatisfaction with the Super Union's focus solely on performance bonuses for the DS division, while ignoring the demands of the DX division.
The Super Union has stated that it will not include common resources for the entire company in this matter. It is reported that about 80% of the Super Union's approximately 73,000 members belong to the DS division. Super Union Chairman Choi Seung-ho has emphasized that negotiations with management are concentrated on performance bonuses for the DS division, without addressing the treatment of employees in the struggling DX division.
Choi commented on the DX neglect issue, saying, "First, we need to secure more resources for performance bonuses this year. Next year, we can distribute more rewards to the DX division as well."
Meanwhile, a ruling on an injunction filed by Samsung Electronics to prohibit illegal strike actions is expected soon. The company has requested this injunction to ensure the normal maintenance of semiconductor safety facilities, prevent wafer degradation, and avoid occupation of key facilities. The Suwon District Court is expected to reach a conclusion by May 20, one day before the planned strike.
Even if the court accepts the company's request, it will only prohibit illegal actions, not the strike itself. However, this could expose the union to legal risks, as the scope for lawful strikes may narrow, and violations of the court's decision could lead to increased liabilities for damages or obstruction of work, potentially dampening the momentum for the strike.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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