Internal conflict surrounding Samsung Electronics' special management bonuses is escalating. As dissatisfaction grows over disparities in performance bonuses across divisions and the union's negotiation methods, tensions have spilled over into intra-union conflicts.
Recently aired on KBS's 'Tracking 60 Minutes,' a segment titled 'Performance Bonus Class Society: Am I the Only One Getting Poorer?' highlighted the widening gap in bonuses between the DS (semiconductor) and DX (device experience) divisions since the introduction of the special management bonus system. The program examined the differences in compensation across divisions and the operational methods of the union, shedding light on the deepening internal strife.
According to the broadcast, Samsung Electronics recently established a new special management bonus system in addition to existing performance bonuses as part of its wage and collective bargaining agreement. However, the DX division was excluded from this new system, leading to a significant disparity in bonuses between the DS and DX divisions.
Some employees in the DS division stand to receive special bonuses worth tens of millions of won, while those in the DX division, having been excluded, face a compensation gap of hundreds of times. Employees in the DX division have expressed feelings of deprivation, noting that while their division supported the company's performance during past downturns in the semiconductor market, rewards have now been concentrated in the DS division during prosperous times. Outside the company, there is a perception of a 'Samsung bonus windfall,' yet many employees feel they are left out and must justify their situation.
The conflict extends beyond divisions, affecting employees within the DS division as well. Some divisions outside the memory sector are considering a structure where performance penalties would apply in the event of future losses, raising concerns that researchers responsible for advanced technologies may receive less compensation than those in manufacturing and production roles.
Criticism has also been directed at the union's operational methods. Previously, three unions collaborated in negotiations, but the newly formed super-union, which combines members from both the DX and DS divisions, has secured a majority and taken the lead in negotiations. This has led to claims that the DX division's demands were not adequately represented during the bargaining process.
As a result, some employees from the DX division have protested against the bonus disparities, and the internal conflict at Samsung Electronics is evolving into a broader intra-union conflict.
Online communities have seen ongoing criticism regarding the union's operational methods and the structure of bonus distribution.
Netizens have reacted, stating, 'It's problematic that compensation varies so drastically between divisions in the same company,' 'The structure where the representative union negotiates primarily for a specific division is an issue,' 'In the past, the DX division supported the company, but now it feels like they are just being used,' and 'It's hard to understand why key researchers are not being properly compensated. The way the union leadership makes all the decisions needs to change.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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