Samsung Electronics is experiencing deepening divisions among its labor unions as efforts to establish a sixth union are underway. The semiconductor and finished product divisions' unions have effectively split over wage negotiations for the upcoming year, with signs of internal discord emerging within the finished product division.
According to industry sources on November 5, the application for the establishment of the "Samsung Electronics Union Shop Labor Union" has been submitted to the Gumi branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor. The new union is being spearheaded by Yoon Joo-yong, former secretary-general of the Chogeup Labor Union's Samsung Electronics branch, and Han Moon-seok, former head of the Donghaeng Labor Union's Gumi branch. Han is expected to serve as the chairperson of the new union.
In a phone interview with Aju Economy, Yoon expressed optimism, stating, "We expect the results of the establishment application to be announced today or tomorrow," adding that specific details will be revealed once the establishment certificate is issued. He emphasized the importance of collective action, saying, "When workers unite as a group to make demands, they gain greater strength."
The new union is likely to focus its activities within the Device Experience (DX) division, as both leaders are affiliated with that sector. However, the specific composition of union members and the scope of activities have not yet been disclosed.
The rationale behind the establishment has led to differing views among existing unions. The Chogeup union noted in a member announcement that it is aware of escalating conflicts between the former and current leadership of the Donghaeng union, suggesting that internal strife may have prompted the formation of a separate union. Conversely, the Donghaeng union stated that the establishment of the sixth union is unrelated to them, asserting that the reasons for its formation should be confirmed directly with the new union.
There are concerns that if the new union gains traction within the DX division, it could diminish the Donghaeng union's influence. Currently, the Donghaeng union has 31,043 members. The emergence of a separate union could lead to competition for membership. As wage negotiations approach, a fragmentation of demands among DX division workers could also burden the Donghaeng union's negotiating power.
The unions representing the Device Solutions (DS) and DX divisions have already diverged in their negotiation strategies. During this year's wage negotiations, disagreements over performance bonuses led the Chogeup union to pass a bylaw limiting membership to the DS division in September. The Chogeup union stated, "We are preparing for the 2027 negotiations without any setbacks," asserting that they will thoroughly prepare for independent negotiations even if a new union emerges in the DX division.
The Donghaeng union is advocating for joint negotiations. This afternoon, they plan to hold a large rally at Samsung Electronics' Suwon campus to demand a cash compensation plan for the DX division and joint negotiations for the upcoming year. The Donghaeng union anticipates around 10,000 participants.
Currently, five unions are active within Samsung Electronics: the Chogeup union, the Donghaeng union, the National Samsung Electronics Labor Union (Jeonsamno), the Office Workers' Union, and the Gumi Network Union. Among these, the Chogeup union is the largest, boasting 53,475 members.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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