Samsung Union's Bonus Fight Sparks Criticism Over 'Missing Social Solidarity'

The recent push by the Samsung Electronics union for substantial performance bonuses, reportedly amounting to hundreds of millions, has sparked considerable debate not just between labor and management, but also within the broader Korean labor movement. While the union's demand for a share of the company's 'super profits' from its semiconductor business is understandable, the apparent disregard for the plight of workers in smaller, less-affluent partner companies and non-regular positions raises serious questions about social solidarity.

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In labor relations, for a union to gain an advantage over an employer, it cannot think only of its own interests. It must have legitimacy based on national consensus to gain long-term benefits. Samsung Electronics' union must also consider whether this is the right direction.

This situation highlights a growing concern in South Korea: the widening gap between regular and non-regular workers, and between large corporations and their smaller suppliers. The Samsung union's singular focus on its own members' gains, while ignoring these disparities, risks alienating public support and undermining the very principles of labor activism. As a publication deeply rooted in understanding the complexities of Korean society and its labor dynamics, Hankyoreh must point out that a union's strength, in the long run, is tied to its ability to build national consensus and act with a sense of broader social responsibility.

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Large corporate unions cannot avoid criticism from civil society if they only think of themselves.

Unlike some established unions, such as the Hyundai Motor Union, which has a long-standing principle of including contract workers and even employees of partner firms in profit-sharing discussions, the Samsung union is a newer entity. Formed in early 2024, it lacks the institutional experience and established framework for engaging in such complex negotiations. This internal immaturity, coupled with the rapid surge in membership fueled by high bonuses at competitors like SK Hynix, means the union is still grappling with its identity and its role beyond immediate member benefits. The internal complexities of Samsung's various business divisions further complicate efforts to achieve unified demands, let alone address external social concerns.

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The main body of the Samsung union is composed of individuals who are resistant to activities of higher organizations. Membership rapidly increased, not because of union activities, but triggered by the high performance bonuses at SK Hynix.

The current structure, lacking a parent organization or even a council of delegates, contributes to this internal disarray. The union's representative acknowledges the difficulty of addressing 'external' issues like social solidarity when internal consensus is lacking. This suggests a critical need for the union to first consolidate its internal structure and processes before it can effectively engage in broader societal dialogues. The absence of a platform for discussing issues beyond immediate wages and working conditions, such as profit-sharing with the semiconductor industry or partner firms, is a significant limitation. As experts suggest, a supra-corporate negotiation structure might be necessary to truly address the equitable distribution of wealth among diverse stakeholders.

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There are too many business divisions within Samsung Electronics (semiconductors, home appliances, mobile, etc.), making interests complex. We haven't even achieved unity within these divisions. It's difficult to take on external aspects like social solidarity.