The Samsung Biologics Labor Union has expressed strong opposition to a recent court ruling that restricts their right to strike, stating that the union law should not excessively limit the constitutional right to collective action.
On October 26, the union held a press conference in front of the National Assembly in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, asserting that even essential public services directly related to the safety and lives of citizens have minimal operational requirements during strikes. They argued that demanding normal operational levels from private companies during a strike effectively undermines the right to strike.
Earlier, on October 16, the Incheon branch of the Seoul High Court ruled in favor of the company’s request to prohibit strike actions, mandating that nine production processes, including flask cultivation, incubator cultivation, recovery, media manufacturing and supply, and chromatography, must continue at normal levels during the strike.
In the first ruling in April, only three processes—concentration and buffer exchange, bulk filling, and buffer manufacturing and supply—were restricted. The appellate court overturned this decision.
The union pointed out that this ruling could have implications for strike rights in other industries. They warned that if the entire production process is deemed essential due to continuous operations, other sectors might use similar justifications to restrict strikes based on their unique characteristics. They urged the National Assembly and the government to clarify the scope and criteria for essential operations to prevent the spread of such restrictions.
The union added, "Restricting strikes does not eliminate the reasons workers choose to strike. The company should not dismiss workers' demands as 'excessive' but should correct unfair personnel practices and present negotiation proposals that include appropriate compensation for workers' contributions."
Initially, the Samsung Biologics Union planned to begin a second general strike on this day but has temporarily suspended those plans in light of the court's decision and is demanding the company resume negotiations. The two sides are scheduled to meet on October 28 to discuss the negotiation process for future talks.
On October 26, the union held a press conference in front of the National Assembly in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, asserting that even essential public services directly related to the safety and lives of citizens have minimal operational requirements during strikes. They argued that demanding normal operational levels from private companies during a strike effectively undermines the right to strike.
Earlier, on October 16, the Incheon branch of the Seoul High Court ruled in favor of the company’s request to prohibit strike actions, mandating that nine production processes, including flask cultivation, incubator cultivation, recovery, media manufacturing and supply, and chromatography, must continue at normal levels during the strike.
In the first ruling in April, only three processes—concentration and buffer exchange, bulk filling, and buffer manufacturing and supply—were restricted. The appellate court overturned this decision.
The union pointed out that this ruling could have implications for strike rights in other industries. They warned that if the entire production process is deemed essential due to continuous operations, other sectors might use similar justifications to restrict strikes based on their unique characteristics. They urged the National Assembly and the government to clarify the scope and criteria for essential operations to prevent the spread of such restrictions.
The union added, "Restricting strikes does not eliminate the reasons workers choose to strike. The company should not dismiss workers' demands as 'excessive' but should correct unfair personnel practices and present negotiation proposals that include appropriate compensation for workers' contributions."
Initially, the Samsung Biologics Union planned to begin a second general strike on this day but has temporarily suspended those plans in light of the court's decision and is demanding the company resume negotiations. The two sides are scheduled to meet on October 28 to discuss the negotiation process for future talks.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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