SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - Unionized workers at Samsung Biologics began a strike on Friday, with about 400 employees taking part in a partial walkout as disputes over wages and other labor issues remain unresolved.
The walkout, which began at midnight, marks the union's second labor action since a full-scale strike in May. The biopharmaceutical company said it would take contingency measures to minimize any disruption to production.
Those taking part in the walkout include production and manufacturing staff as well as employees in charge of quality control and logistics.
The dispute escalated after labor and management failed to make progress in negotiations. The two sides had initially agreed to hold what was expected to be their final round of talks on Nov. 3, but management requested a postponement, citing a lack of trust in the union.
The union viewed the move as a unilateral breakdown in negotiations and proceeded with the partial strike.
The strike also comes amid a legal dispute following a court ruling that broadened the scope of work subject to restrictions during strikes.
The court ruled last month that tasks necessary to prevent raw materials and products from deteriorating or spoiling during the manufacturing process must continue even during a strike, partially siding with management.
The walkout, which began at midnight, marks the union's second labor action since a full-scale strike in May. The biopharmaceutical company said it would take contingency measures to minimize any disruption to production.
Those taking part in the walkout include production and manufacturing staff as well as employees in charge of quality control and logistics.
The dispute escalated after labor and management failed to make progress in negotiations. The two sides had initially agreed to hold what was expected to be their final round of talks on Nov. 3, but management requested a postponement, citing a lack of trust in the union.
The union viewed the move as a unilateral breakdown in negotiations and proceeded with the partial strike.
The strike also comes amid a legal dispute following a court ruling that broadened the scope of work subject to restrictions during strikes.
The court ruled last month that tasks necessary to prevent raw materials and products from deteriorating or spoiling during the manufacturing process must continue even during a strike, partially siding with management.
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