Unionized workers at Samsung Biologics vote to leave the group-wide labor coalition Samsung Group United Union, according to reports from Korea Times and Free Press Journal. The vote takes place over five days, starting Wednesday and ending Sunday. Of 4,005 members with voting rights, 2,479 participate, and 96.5% vote in favour of changing the union’s organisation structure to exit the umbrella group.
Both sources say the move reflects internal divisions within the group-wide labor union and the desire by Samsung Biologics members to have representation that more directly addresses their interests and demands. The reports link the decision to ongoing labour actions at Samsung Biologics, including a work-to-rule campaign seeking higher pay and improved working conditions that begins in early last month. They also note earlier industrial action, including a partial strike in late April and a five-day walkout involving about 2,800 members in early May.
The union is scheduled to hold negotiations with management this week, following the vote. The group-wide union’s composition is also described as having shifted, with some members withdrawing in recent months.
