SK Hynix Officially Recognizes 3,500-Member Unified Labor Union

SK Hynix has officially recognized the newly launched "Hynix Unified Labor Union" as a legitimate labor union.

While direct participation in this year's negotiations is difficult as wage and collective bargaining talks are currently underway with the existing union, the unified union plans to hold an introductory meeting with management soon.

According to the industry on the 28th, SK Hynix stated in an official letter sent to the unified union on the 26th, "We confirm your status as a legitimate labor union," adding, "We hope to build a sound labor-management relationship based on mutual trust and cooperation moving forward."

This response follows the unified union's transmission of official letters to management twice, on the 19th and 24th, demanding confirmation of union status, the provision of information related to wage and collective bargaining, and separate collective bargaining.

In its first official letter, the unified union notified management that it had completed its labor union establishment report on the 13th, requesting explanations on the progress and future schedule of ongoing wage and collective bargaining talks, as well as key agenda items such as wages, performance-based bonuses, and employee welfare.

In its second letter, it demanded clarification regarding the alleged non-fulfillment of the performance bonus agreement while urging separate collective bargaining.

It also requested objective data regarding the specific details and legal validity of the performance bonus financial resources and payment criteria agreed upon by labor and management last year, as well as the management reasons that could alter the agreement.

In response, while acknowledging the unified union's legitimate status, management stated, "We are currently conducting negotiations with the existing union, and since the unified union is not participating in the ongoing negotiation procedures, it does not hold bargaining rights."

Management also conveyed its position that it is difficult to comply with the unified union's request to share detailed negotiation progress, as doing so could be deemed an unfair labor practice constituting domination or interference in the existing union's collective bargaining activities.

Separately, the unified union explained to its members, "We received the official letter response and have been recognized as an official Hynix union," adding, "We are now scheduled to set a date for an introductory meeting and proceed with a collective agreement with the company."

The unified union encompasses both production workers and technical office workers, with its current membership reaching 3,472.

This figure accounts for 10 percent of the total workforce of approximately 35,000 employees.

In particular, amidst a continuous wave of departures by members of the existing union following the rejection on the 25th of a tentative wage and collective bargaining agreement reached after about two months of talks, the number of subscribers to the unified union is reportedly on the rise.

The previously drafted tentative agreement centered on a 6.3 percent wage increase, the payment of 60 percent of the Profit-Sharing (PS) performance bonus in company shares, and the enhancement of welfare systems, alongside a provision allowing employees to receive up to 80 percent in cash exclusively for next year's PS.

SK Hynix and the existing union are expected to determine future negotiation schedules and specific procedures through additional discussions soon.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.