【 Anchor 】
Samsung Electronics’ largest labor union, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions of Samsung Electronics, gathered in front of Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s residence.
They declared that this time was truly the end, as the final negotiations over the past three days broke down.
The disagreement between the two sides came down to just a 1.5 million won gap in welfare benefits.
This is reporter Han Beom-soo reporting.
【 Reporter 】
On the 25th day of the strike, members of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions of Samsung Electronics gathered in front of Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s residence.
After the intensive negotiations for three days until yesterday (31st) ended in failure, they decided to intensify their pressure by making Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s residence a site of protest.
▶ Interview: Son Wu-mok / Chairman of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions of Samsung Electronics
– “In the midst of Samsung’s crisis, the group’s owner is not sending any message.”
During the final negotiation period, the positions of labor and management narrowed significantly, but they ultimately disagreed on the welfare benefit of 1.5 million won.
The union demanded a welfare benefit of 2 million won, which could be used to purchase home appliances, in exchange for giving up existing demands such as a 0.5% wage increase and overhaul of the performance-based pay system.
However, the management expressed dissatisfaction, stating that 500,000 won was the maximum amount.
There are concerns about discrimination as non-union workers would not receive the welfare points if the union’s demands were met.
▶ Interview: Lee Hyun-guk / Vice Chairman of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions of Samsung Electronics
– “More money? No, we want recognition.”
It was reported that the management also rejected the proposal to have a day off on the union’s founding anniversary.
The Federation of Korean Trade Unions of Samsung Electronics, which led the strike, is expected to lose its bargaining rights soon as they have not reached a collective agreement in the past year, which could diminish their momentum.
Samsung Electronics stated in its second-quarter earnings announcement that there was no production disruption due to the strike.
This is MBN News reporter Han Beom-soo reporting.
Video Reporting: Kim Young-jin
Video Editing: Kim Min-ji
Graphics: Lee Sae-bom