A Samsung Electronics union representing non-semiconductor workers has withdrawn from the joint-struggle headquarters and will not participate in its upcoming actions.

This split threatens the unity of labor efforts at the South Korean tech giant, potentially weakening the leverage of workers as they prepare for large-scale industrial action.

The Donghang union, which represents the finished-products business unit, announced its departure alongside the Samsung Electronics branch of the 초기업노동조합 and the 전국삼성전자노동조합 [1, 2]. The decision comes ahead of a planned total strike scheduled for May 21 [1, 3].

Union leadership said the move was necessary after two other unions failed to respond to a request concerning the rights of all members [1, 2]. This lack of communication, the union said, damaged mutual trust between the participating groups [1, 2].

The Donghang union consists of approximately 2,300 members [1]. Within this group, about 70% of members are device-experience workers [1].

By leaving the joint-struggle headquarters, the non-semiconductor union separates itself from the collective strategy of the other labor organizations. The group's exit signals a fragmentation of the labor front within Samsung's finished-products division, a move that could complicate negotiations with company management.

“The Donghang union consists of approximately 2,300 members”

The fragmentation of Samsung's labor unions suggests a growing divide between different worker classifications within the company. By withdrawing from the joint-struggle headquarters, the Donghang union may be seeking more targeted concessions for device-experience workers rather than a broad, diluted agreement. This lack of cohesion could allow Samsung management to negotiate with smaller, isolated factions rather than a unified labor front, potentially reducing the impact of the May 21 strike.