[Anchor]

As SK Hynix is currently negotiating with management over performance bonus payment methods, the launch of a unified labor union encompassing multiple job groups is imminent. It has also signaled solidarity with Samsung Electronics' labor union.

Reporter Kwon Ran has the details.

[Reporter]

This is the newly opened website of the new labor union at SK Hynix.

Under the name of the unified labor union, more than 1,700 members have joined so far.

The unified labor union points out that the current three labor unions divided by region and job group are diluting bargaining power, and plans to boost negotiation leverage as a "one team."

Its top priority is to secure 18,000 members, which accounts for more than half of all employees, to achieve majority union status and gain bargaining rights.

Afterward, it emphasized that it would thwart management's attempt to pay a portion of the "10% operating profit performance bonus" in stocks and defend the principle of cash-only payments.

It also highlighted differences from existing unions, such as transparent disclosure of the negotiation process and granting equal voting rights to union members.

Instead of affiliating with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions or the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, it announced that it would join hands with Samsung Electronics' supra-corporate labor union, which recently reached a performance bonus agreement with management.

Samsung Electronics' supra-corporate union also stated, "We will review the plan to jointly issue statements on major issues."

However, even if the unified labor union is officially launched, it remains uncertain whether it can participate in the wage and collective bargaining negotiations, which have already proceeded to the sixth round.

[Interview / Kim Sang-bong / Professor of Economics, Hansung University : (The unified labor union) may obtain bargaining rights. However, because it has to listen to various (job group and regional) voices, securing bargaining rights itself could prove difficult.]

While the unified labor union has stated it will maximize its influence by demanding observation of negotiations, disclosure of progress, and delivery of members' opinions, forecasts suggest that controversies surrounding operating profits and performance bonuses could resurface.

(Photo: Yonhap News) Reported by Bae Moon-san | Video by Kim Jin-won | Graphics by Han Heung-soo