Samsung Biologics union votes to leave pan-affiliate labor coalition

Unionized workers of Samsung Biologics on Sunday voted in favor of a motion to leave a group-wide labor coalition representing workers across Samsung affiliates.

A motion to change the union's organizational structure, with the aim of leaving the Samsung Group United Union, was passed after a five-day vote that opened on Wednesday.

Of the 4,005 members with voting rights, 2,479 participated and 96.5 percent voted in favor of the move, according to the union.

"We believe there is a strong need to switch to an independent labor union to reflect the interests and demands of our members more directly and swiftly," the union said.

Members of Samsung Group's bio arm have been staging a work-to-rule campaign since early last month, demanding a pay increase and improved working conditions.

In late April, the union staged a partial strike for three days, followed by a five-day walkout of some 2,800 members in early May.

The union is scheduled to hold negotiations with management this week.

The move by unionized workers at Samsung Biologics comes amid growing division inside the group-wide labor union, following a wage deal in which heavy bonuses were concentrated in the group's semiconductor business.

Founded in February 2024, the umbrella union included workers of Samsung Display and Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, as well as the flagship Samsung Electronics.

It reportedly lost its majority status as of early June, as members, particularly from nonchip divisions, decided to withdraw, according to industry data.

Yonhap