Samsung Biologics and its labor union are set to resume discussions amid ongoing tensions, including a warning of a second general strike and a court ruling prohibiting certain strike actions.
According to the biopharmaceutical industry on October 22, Samsung Biologics and the labor union will meet on October 28 to discuss the resumption of negotiations. This follows the union's decision to postpone its planned second general strike and request negotiations with management.
The union requested negotiations with management on October 19, and the following day, it temporarily postponed the second general strike, which was scheduled to begin on October 26 and last for three weeks. This decision came after the Seoul High Court expanded the number of processes prohibited from strike actions from three to nine on October 16, diminishing the effectiveness of the planned strike. Additionally, fewer than 40% of union members expressed willingness to participate, indicating weakened internal momentum. The union previously conducted partial strikes in April and a full strike in May.
If the two sides can find common ground in this upcoming dialogue, it could reinvigorate the stalled wage and collective bargaining negotiations that have been at a standstill for seven months since the breakdown of mediation in March. However, since the union has only postponed the strike rather than canceling it, there remains a possibility that they could change their approach to collective action if discussions falter.
Meanwhile, Samsung Biologics reported on October 21 that its third-quarter revenue reached 1.49 trillion won, with an operating profit of 640.1 billion won. This marks a 19% increase in revenue (232.8 billion won) and a 1% rise in operating profit (6.6 billion won) compared to the same period last year. The growth is attributed to the continued full operation of its first through fourth plants and the expansion of operations at its fifth plant, along with the recognition of revenue from its Rockville production facility in the United States, acquired in March.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.