The Samsung Electronics labor union is embroiled in significant internal conflict just hours before a vote on a tentative agreement. The Super Corporate Union Samsung Electronics Branch, which represents the largest group of semiconductor workers, unexpectedly informed the Donghaeng Union, which includes mobile and home appliance members, that they would not be allowed to vote, escalating tensions between the unions.
According to industry sources, the Super Corporate Union notified the Donghaeng Union around 10:30 a.m. on May 22 that "Donghaeng Union members will not be recognized as having voting rights in this tentative agreement vote."
Initially, it was anticipated that the three unions—Super Corporate Union, the National Samsung Electronics Union, and Donghaeng Union—would conduct a joint vote on the tentative agreement. However, the Super Corporate Union's sudden decision to exclude Donghaeng Union on the day of the vote has thrown the unions into disarray.
Donghaeng Union representatives expressed their outrage at the Super Corporate Union's decision.
A member of the Donghaeng Union stated that the Super Corporate Union had previously requested on May 20 and 21 that each union prepare for the vote scheduled for 2 p.m. on May 22, asking for member lists to be aligned as of 2 p.m. on May 21.
However, on the day of the vote, the Super Corporate Union issued a notice stating, "Donghaeng Union cannot participate in this joint negotiation vote due to the notification of the end of joint negotiations on May 4."
As of 8 a.m. on May 22, the Donghaeng Union had 12,298 members, a significant increase from 4,708 members reported the previous day.
One Donghaeng Union member criticized the situation, saying, "It makes no sense to prepare for a vote until the day before and then be told on the morning of the vote that we have no voting rights. This is an attempt to thoroughly exclude the Donghaeng Union and deceives the members who were waiting to vote."
Some observers believe the Super Corporate Union is attempting to exert control over the voting process, aiming to preemptively block the growing movement within the Donghaeng Union advocating for the rejection of the tentative agreement.
A labor sector official noted, "It is extremely unusual to restrict voting rights for specific job categories or unions just hours before the vote. Regardless of the outcome, there could be serious legal repercussions regarding procedural legitimacy."
Currently, the Donghaeng Union is reportedly preparing an official complaint and working on a response to the Super Corporate Union's notification.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.