Samsung Electronics Union: "84% of Members Oppose Honam Semiconductor Project; Will Push as 2027 Negotiation Agenda"

The Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group Super-Enterprise Labor Union, the largest labor union at Samsung Electronics, announced that it will include the government-led Honam Semiconductor Mega Project as an agenda item for negotiations in 2027.
The union argues that since the implementation of the revised Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act (the so-called Yellow Envelope Act), business decisions that affect the working conditions of union members have become subjects for negotiation, and therefore, the union's opinions must be reflected in the project's implementation process.
In a statement released today (July 13), the union stated, "A survey of our members showed that 84% of respondents oppose the Honam Semiconductor Mega Project."
Previously, on July 1, the union proposed the formation of a tripartite consultative body involving the government, companies, and labor unions. At the time, they argued that the project should be approached from a long-term perspective, stating, "It is a long journey that takes at least five years to secure land, permits, and infrastructure such as power and water to operate a single semiconductor production line."
Furthermore, the union mentioned that Jeon Young-hyun, head of Samsung Electronics' DS Division (Vice Chairman), discussed the necessity of expanding nuclear power and LNG cogeneration plants at the National Report on the Development Vision for Advanced Industries in the Honam Region held on June 30. The union claimed, "In a recent meeting, the management expressed a negative stance on the project, saying that they also feel burdened by it."
The union added, "Under the Yellow Envelope Act legislated by the government and the ruling party, business decisions that affect the working conditions of union members have become subjects of negotiation. As this is a project that could impact the workplaces and treatment of tens of thousands of employees, we will address this matter in the 2027 negotiations."
In a mega-project announcement last month, Samsung Electronics revealed plans to invest approximately 400 trillion won to build two new semiconductor fabs (factories) in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.