Samsung Group-wide Labor Union Says 84% of Members Oppose Honam Semiconductor Project

[Financial News] The Samsung Group Supra-Enterprise Labor Union, Samsung Electronics Chapter, the largest union at Samsung Electronics centered on the semiconductor division, said on the 13th that it is repeatedly calling for labor-management-government talks over the company’s investment plan in the Honam semiconductor project and will make the project a bargaining agenda item for next year.
In a statement released that day, the union said, "In a survey conducted among members over the weekend, 84% said they opposed the Honam semiconductor project when factors such as reassignment, working conditions and treatment were taken into account."
It added, "The union intends to address the Honam semiconductor project in the 2027 negotiations," explaining that "business decisions that affect members’ working conditions are also subject to bargaining under the Yellow Envelope Act."
The union said, "On the 1st, we proposed a forum for labor-management-government consultations involving the government, the company and the union, but we have received no response so far. We are asking once again," and added, "This project, which affects tens of thousands of jobs and working conditions, should be pursued through dialogue with the union."
It also said, "In two meetings with the union, management expressed a negative view of the project, saying that even executives find it burdensome," and noted, "If this is a plan that does not convince the people who will work there or the company that will invest, what is needed now is not speed but a process that builds trust."
The union added, "We hope the government will respond to the labor-management-government forum proposed by the union and that constructive talks will take place," saying, "Rather than haste, taking a long-term view and preparing step by step is the way to protect the future of semiconductors in the Republic of Korea."
Earlier, Samsung Electronics announced at the end of last month, as part of its three major mega projects, plans to invest 203 trillion won in the Pyeongtaek and Yongin semiconductor clusters and 40 trillion won in the Honam region. The union has said that a forum for joint labor-management-government consultations is needed regarding the Honam semiconductor investment plan.
soup@fnnews.com Lim Su-bin Reporter