Samsung Biologics Union Moves to Exit Samsung Supra-Company Union... Strike Momentum Expected to Weaken

The labor union at Samsung Biologics is moving to withdraw from the Samsung Group supracompany union just two years and four months after joining, and is seeking to establish an independent course. This decision comes as the central force of the supracompany alliance has weakened following the departure of the Samsung Electronics branch, which was a key pillar of the united front. In addition, there is a judgment that joint responses have become less effective due to differing interests among affiliates. Observers believe that, along with the move to withdraw from the supracompany union, changes in the union’s struggle tactics may somewhat weaken the momentum for future strikes.

According to industry and labor sources on June 9, the Samsung Biologics Mutual Growth Branch of the Samsung Group supracompany union plans to make a final decision on withdrawal through a general assembly and vote among union members in mid-June. Jae Sung Park, head of the Samsung Biologics Mutual Growth Branch of the Samsung Group supracompany union, stated, "We will hold a general assembly from June 16 to 18 and list withdrawal from the Samsung Group supracompany union as the main agenda item," adding, "Through our activities in the supracompany union, we have realized that the interests of each company differ and joint responses are not easy."

After the general assembly, the executive committee plans to conduct a vote among union members on changing the organizational structure between June 24 and 28. If more than half of the union members participate and at least two-thirds of those voting agree, the withdrawal will be confirmed and the Samsung Biologics union will pursue an independent path. The Samsung Biologics union joined the Samsung Group supracompany union, which integrated labor unions of four Samsung affiliates, upon its launch in February 2024.

This move to break away from the alliance is directly related to the recent cracks in the supracompany coalition that emerged after the Samsung Electronics branch concluded its wage and collective bargaining agreement. As the Samsung Electronics branch wrapped up negotiations and member departures accelerated—resulting in the loss of majority union status—the central force within the supracompany union was shaken.

This shift toward an independent course is expected to bring changes to the union’s ability to mobilize for action. The Samsung Biologics union, which has been demanding wage increases and improvements to the personnel system, previously held a partial strike involving about 60 members in April, and from May 1 to 5, staged a large-scale full strike with participation from around 2,800 members. The management estimated that the strike resulted in approximately 150 billion won in losses, considering production disruptions. After failing to reach an agreement following the full strike, the union has been conducting a "work-to-rule" campaign since May 6, refusing overtime and holiday work.

Currently, the union has presented a new revised proposal to management and is repeatedly requesting negotiations. Within the executive committee, there is a cautious stance toward launching another large-scale hardline strike as done in the past. Branch head Park stated, "We plan to listen to union members’ opinions at this general assembly and determine our future response," adding, "There are internal opinions questioning whether a second strike is really necessary, and we will take such views fully into consideration." Many believe that, rather than another large-scale strike—which led to intense confrontation between labor and management—the union is likely to shift toward practical negotiations that reflect voices from the field. Whether this move will lead to further chain withdrawals by unions of other Samsung Group affiliates is expected to be a key variable going forward.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.