Samsung Unions Clash Over Bargaining Leadership

Samsung labor unions are clashing to determine who will lead wage and collective bargaining agreements by 2027. The Samsung Electronics Branch of the Samsung Group United Union, the largest union, attempted to collect demands but the Samsung Electronics Labor Union Donghaeng objected. The Donghaeng Union, composed mainly of employees in the Device Experience unit, claims there is no legal basis for the United Union to unilaterally set a deadline for submitting demands.

This dispute highlights the difference in positions between the unions over who should lead the bargaining. The Donghaeng Union and the National Samsung Electronics Union, the third largest, are also discussing solidarity which could lead to a change in the bargaining structure. The United Union aims to lead based on its size, while the Donghaeng Union insists on joint bargaining with other unions.

The two unions have recently participated together in a rally, indicating potential solidarity ahead of the wage and collective bargaining agreement. The Donghaeng Union and the NSEU share a common interest in improving compensation, particularly for employees in the Device Solutions unit. The size of their memberships combined is approximately 2,184 more than the United Union, indicating that a change in the bargaining structure could occur if the Donghaeng Union and the NSEU form solidarity.