Samsung Display Labor-Management Wage Negotiations Fail... Strike Possible

5th Round of Wage and Collective Bargaining Negotiations Break Down
Union Indicates Strike After Applying for Mediation at Central Labor Relations Commission

Wage negotiations between Samsung Display's labor union and management have broken down, and the union has begun preparations for industrial action.

According to industry sources on the 15th, Samsung Display's Open Labor Union and management held the 5th round of wage and collective bargaining negotiations on the same day, but they ultimately ended in failure.

The labor and management, who held negotiations five times since early last month, were unable to narrow their differences over key issues such as wage increases.

Initially, the union presented 25 demands, including a 5% increase in base wages, expansion of paid leave, and revision of the performance bonus (OPI) criteria.

After declaring the breakdown of negotiations, the union decided to apply for labor dispute mediation with the Central Labor Relations Commission (CLRC).

Yu Haram, chairman of Samsung Display's Open Labor Union, said, "Management did not bring anything to the table during the negotiation process," adding, "We plan to apply for mediation soon to demand a proactive change in management's attitude."

Upon receiving a labor dispute mediation application, the CLRC forms a mediation committee consisting of employer representatives, employee representatives, and public interest members, and attempts mediation for 10 days.

If labor and management fail to narrow their differences during mediation, the CLRC will decide to terminate the mediation. In this case, the union secures the right to strike legally after a vote by union members.

Previously, Samsung Display's union went on strike for the first time in the company's history in 2021 due to a breakdown in wage negotiations.