The Samsung Electronics chapter of the Samsung Group Inter-Corporate Labor Union (hereafter the Inter-Corporate Union) is pushing to transform into a labor union centered around the Device Solutions (DS) division, which handles the semiconductor business.

Amid ongoing conflicts between unions surrounding demands for the integrated distribution of performance bonuses using company-wide financial resources, this move is interpreted as an effort to reorganize the organization around the DS division.

Today, the Inter-Corporate Union announced through a notice regarding the coordination of bargaining agenda items that it will hold a general union member meeting on October 6 and put three agenda items to a vote: ▲ a proposal demanding the integration of company-wide standards for performance bonus distribution; ▲ a proposal to amend the union bylaws to restrict eligibility for Inter-Corporate Union membership (limiting it to the DS division); and ▲ a proposal demanding improvements to deficit penalties for the System LSI and Foundry businesses.

The Inter-Corporate Union explained that while it was originally launched as a labor union representing both the DS division and the Device Experience (DX) division, differences of opinion regarding performance bonus financial resources have widened significantly among unions following this year's negotiations.

In particular, it added that conflicts have escalated as the Donghaeng Union, centered on the DX division, demanded the distribution of performance bonuses using company-wide resources and withdrew from the joint bargaining delegation.

Accordingly, the Inter-Corporate Union stated that it will not consider joint bargaining for next year's negotiations and plans to amend its bylaws to clearly limit union membership eligibility to the DS division.

The proposal demanding the integration of company-wide performance bonus distribution will also be put to a member vote.

The Inter-Corporate Union noted that while the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) and the Donghaeng Union are demanding company-wide financial resources, the leadership has decided to leave the decision up to the union members rather than unilaterally determining whether to include the demand in the bargaining agenda.

Agendas passed at the general meeting are planned to be reflected in next year's bargaining demands.

Additionally, a proposal demanding improvements to deficit penalties for the System LSI and Foundry business units will be put to a vote.

The Inter-Corporate Union explained, "Due to deficit penalties, grievances and a decline in work motivation among union members in those business units are growing," adding, "We will finalize this as a core bargaining agenda item without waiting until next January."

(Photo: Yonhap News)