SK hynix Unified Union Nears Launch

The "hynix Unified Labor Union," aiming to gain membership of over 18,000 workers, comprising more than half of SK hynix's total workforce of 35,000, is in the final stages of readiness for its launch. On August 12, the union had already amassed 1,250 registered members following its application submission on August 8. The union was formed to consolidate bargaining power previously fragmented among three separate organizations representing production and technical/administrative staff in Icheon and Cheongju.

Currently, it operates under the temporary structure of the Union Integration Task Force (TF) and aims to grow its membership before appointing executive leadership to ensure substantial representation. A distinguishing feature of the unified union is its commitment to an independent union structure, unconnected to higher-level bodies like the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions or the Federation of Korean Trade Unions.

It also intends to put in place mechanisms for immediate removal of leadership violating its rules, which strictly prohibit political activities supporting any particular political party or candidate. The union plans to implement a direct voting system ensuring equal voting rights for all members, deviating from delegate-based decision-making, and will enhance transparency by publishing bargaining proceedings and meeting minutes alongside concrete data.

It has also stipulated mandatory external audits as a core operating principle. Among the primary outstanding issues, the union is committed to cash payments for the profit-sharing bonus (PS). The TF sees any conversion of PS into stock as a potentially disadvantageous alteration to the Employment Rules and plans to address this after confirming whether lawful procedures for collective consent were adhered to.

Additionally, the union will determine welfare-related matters such as salary increases, welfare points, and shift system reorganization through a member vote once executive leadership is established. The union also keeps open the option for solidarity with external unions, potentially seeking guidance from the Samsung Electronics Supra-enterprise Labor Union.

However, it is unclear whether the unified union will be able to join this year's wage and collective agreement negotiations, as talks with the three existing unions have already advanced significantly, with six meetings held. If direct negotiations prove challenging, the unified union intends to impact outcomes by reflecting member sentiments through observing negotiations or submitting opinions.