SK Hynix, which has been experiencing a conflict over 'the highest-ever performance bonuses', is facing the possibility of the creation of an integrated union for production and office workers.

Part of SK Hynix laborers are preparing to establish a "unified labor union" that encompasses both production and technology administrative job classes. They aim to bolster their negotiating power by focusing on the significant performance-based bonuses. However, participation in labor negotiations this year may prove challenging.

On September 9th, SK Hynix provided explanations regarding this matter. According to these sources, around 3,500 out of the company's total workforce of approximately 35,000 participated in a preparatory meeting for the proposed unified labor union on May 5th. Presently, SK Hynix operates four separate labor unions: one for production workers, affiliated with the Korean Federation of Metal Workers, and another for technology and administrative workers, affiliated with the Democratic Trade Union of Chemical Fiber and Plastic Industry.

These unions negotiate separately with the company on issues like wages and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). The unified labor union aims to gain an advantage by negotiating performance-based bonuses for all workers, regardless of their job class. The proposed chairman of the unified union announced on August 8th that its primary goal is to fully fulfill the previously agreed-upon performance-based bonus payments.

The company had previously agreed to allocate 10% of its operating profits as performance-based bonuses for the next ten years. Nevertheless, SK Hynix has proposed a partial payment of performance-based bonuses in the form of company shares and restrictions on their sale for the current year during their negotiations. This stance, along with the government's position that companies cannot rely on operating profits as performance-based bonus resources, has left the new unified labor union unable to join this year's negotiations.

The existing labor unions have already engaged in five rounds of talks, making it unlikely that a full-scale strike can be achieved even if the unified union is established. The company expects that the focus will shift to securing a sufficient number of union members and gaining the right to negotiate in the following year. In response to this development, SK Hynix stated that they will proceed with the established procedures if the labor union is confirmed, and they will conduct negotiations in a legal and orderly manner this year.