The Samsung Biologics labor union began its first full-scale strike since the company's founding in 2011 on May 1, 2024 [1, 2].
This action marks a historic shift for the biotechnology giant, as the union leverages a significant portion of its workforce to force a resolution with management. The strike signals a breakdown in labor relations at one of South Korea's most critical pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs.
About 2,000 workers are participating in the walkout [1]. This represents a substantial fraction of the union's membership, which consists of approximately 4,000 members, roughly 73% of the company's total workforce of 5,455 employees [1].
The union said the strike was caused by the decision-making failures of management. The group demanded that the company enter into immediate negotiations to resolve these issues [1, 3].
Efforts to avoid the strike were extensive but unsuccessful. The union and management held 13 rounds of negotiations between December 2023 and March 2024, but the parties failed to close the gaps in their positions [1, 3].
Union members are utilizing a specific method of protest by taking annual leave and refusing to participate in work duties [2]. The strike is planned to continue through May 5, 2024 [1, 2].
The company is headquartered in Songdo, Incheon, where the labor unrest is centered [1, 2]. The union said the "unprecedented full-scale strike situation is due to the failure of management's decision-making" and urged the company to negotiate immediately [2].
“The Samsung Biologics labor union began its first full-scale strike since the company's founding in 2011.”
This strike is a significant escalation in labor tensions within the Samsung Group, particularly as the company seeks to maintain its global lead in biologics manufacturing. By coordinating a walkout of 2,000 employees, nearly half of the union's membership, the workers are attempting to disrupt operations enough to force a concession from a management team that had failed to reach an agreement after 13 rounds of talks. The outcome will likely set a precedent for labor relations across other Samsung subsidiaries.
