Unionized members at Samsung Biologics stage another partial strike

The Samsung Biologics labor union has resumed its second partial strike, seeking wage hikes and better personnel policies. The action began on November 6 at midnight and will last for approximately three weeks, ending on November 27. Around 400 indirect support workers, comprising roughly 70% of the company's total workforce, are participating in the strike.

The workers are engaging in a "no work" method to demonstrate their protest, without organizing an independent rally. The union, which initially planned a full strike, has been limited by a court injunction prohibiting specific strike actions, leading to a partial strike designation. The dispute centers around wage increases, with the union demanding a 9.5% increase and a payment of 15% of operating profits, while management has offered a 6.2% pay rise and a one-time payment.

Despite resuming talks on November 3, negotiations have not yielded a resolution. Industry experts worry that the extended strike could negatively impact Samsung Biologics' production schedules. In May, a five-day full strike resulted in estimated losses of 150.0 billion won ($108.0 million), including potential disruptions in the production of critical drugs.

Although the current strike involves fewer workers, its duration is nearly four times longer, potentially causing unpredictable repercussions, particularly for the company's contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business. Samsung Biologics maintains its commitment to negotiating a resolution, emphasizing its dedication to maintaining process stability and protecting patient and client interests.