Samsung Electronics' largest labor union is facing controversy over preferential treatment after it was confirmed that the union placed an order for rally supplies with a company operated by the union leader's father-in-law.

The union explained that the company was selected through a normal process considering price and delivery schedules, and emphasized that no financial gain went to the union leader personally.

The Samsung Chapter of the Samsung Group Inter-Company Labor Union posted a notice to its members, acknowledging that in March it signed a contract to purchase items such as vests for rallies and events with a company run by the father-in-law of Union Leader Choi Seung-ho.

At the time, Samsung Electronics labor unions had formed a joint struggle headquarters and were preparing for dispute actions and rallies.

The union explained that because supplies needed to be secured within a set schedule, the company was selected by comprehensively comparing not only price, but also quality, delivery deadlines, and past performance experience.

It stated that when actually placing the order for vests, the most expensive candidate among the options was excluded, and purchases were made from two companies, including the union leader's father-in-law's business and another company.

The union maintained that this was a choice made to save union dues by contracting at a lower price through comparative quotes, while also meeting the tight schedule for distributing the vests.

In particular, the union drew a line by stating that no financial benefits such as rebates, commissions, or refunds went to Leader Choi personally through this contract.

It asserted that this was not a contract intended to provide unfair personal benefits to the leader.

However, the union stated that aside from the legitimacy of the contract process itself, it recognized that transactions with businesses run by a leader's family could be a concern from the members' perspective, and therefore such companies are now fundamentally excluded from being eligible for contracts.

The Inter-Company Labor Union, which originally launched as a union representing all business divisions of Samsung Electronics, is also currently pursuing plans to transform into a union centered around the DS (Device Solutions) division, which handles semiconductors.

It plans to hold a general meeting of members on October 6 to vote on a rule amendment proposal that would limit union membership eligibility to the DS division.

(Reported by Kim Minjeong | Video by Seo Byeong-wook | Graphics by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News)