Samsung Electronics faces push for sixth labor union amid alleged internal rifts

SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- Reports indicate a push for a sixth labor union at Samsung Electronics Co., following alleged internal rifts among union members. Samsung's largest labor union, which primarily represents employees in the semiconductor division, has filed an application with the labor ministry for the establishment of a new union, according to labor officials.

The proposed union is believed to be spearheaded by former and current leaders of the second-largest union representing workers in the device experience division, a sector that oversees consumer electronics and mobile devices. A labor official, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the intensifying disputes within the smaller union could have triggered the efforts to create a separate group.

However, the smaller union has refuted these allegations, asserting that the planned sixth union has no connection to internal disputes. The new union is anticipated to focus on employees within the device experience division, though its exact organizational structure and scope of activities remain unconfirmed.