Samsung Biologics Union Seeks FKTU Membership, Holds Member Vote

Partial strike continues amid dispute over wages and personnel system
FKTU: "We will protect the union's independent activities"

The Samsung Biologics labor union is seeking to join the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU).

According to the biotechnology industry on Nov. 12, the Samsung Biologics union decided to hold a vote among its members through Nov. 18 to determine whether to join the FKTU.

Samsung Biologics management and labor have been at odds since the beginning of the year over wage increases and improvements to the personnel system. After its first strike in May, the union began a partial strike on Nov. 6.

Samsung Biologics in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, where a labor union launched its second partial strike on the 6th, demanding wage increases and improvements to the personnel system. Yonhap News Agency

The FKTU issued a statement on Nov. 12, saying, "If the members choose to join the FKTU, we will devote all our capabilities to protecting the rights of Samsung Biologics workers and the union's independent activities."

It added, "The company must not interfere with or pressure members in any way, and must allow the vote to proceed in accordance with their free will," and said, "We firmly warn that obstructing the union's affiliation with a higher-level organization or infringing on members' autonomous choice may constitute an unfair labor practice under the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act."

It also said, "Samsung Biologics workers are currently going through a difficult period involving negotiations and industrial action," adding, "The union's legitimate activities must be guaranteed, and workers' rights and voices must be protected through broader solidarity."

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