Samsung labor union says Honam semiconductor mega project should be discussed with workers

[Financial News] As the government unveiled an investment plan of more than 800 trillion won centered on Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as part of its three major mega projects, the Samsung Electronics enterprise-wide labor union proposed a "tripartite consultative body" on the matter. The move is seen as a strong signal that dialogue with labor is essential for the mega project. 
In a statement released on the 1st, the Samsung Electronics Branch Union of the Samsung Group enterprise-wide labor union, which is centered on Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions (DS) Division, said, "We propose a tripartite consultative body where the government, companies and labor unions can sit down together." It added, "We hope constructive dialogue will help this national project lead to a new leap forward for the Republic of Korea." 
The union said that protecting the competitiveness of the Republic of Korea's semiconductor industry requires a determined and strategic approach. It stressed that bold investment must support efforts to secure key talent and technology. 
It also said the mega project is a task that will determine the future of the Republic of Korea's semiconductor industry. "To operate a single line, it takes at least five years when site selection, permits, power supply and water infrastructure are all included," it said, describing it as a long journey.
The union suggested that thorough preparation is more important than haste. "We hope we can look to the future with a long-term perspective and prepare step by step," it said.
It also said efforts for employees are needed in the mega project. "At the core of all this is people," it said. "The enterprise-wide labor union hopes that industrial safety, housing conditions and infrastructure at the sites where members will work in the future will be fully in place, and that fair treatment will support them accordingly." 
"These tasks can be solved when all of us unite our efforts," the union said. "The labor union that knows the workplace best will do its part," it added, reiterating that consultation with labor is necessary. 
Earlier, Samsung said it would invest a total of 2,430 trillion won in semiconductors, including the Pyeongtaek Campus, the Yongin National Industrial Complex and the Gwangju Semiconductor Cluster. 
soup@fnnews.com Im Subin Kim Jun-hyeok Reporter