Samsung union slams 'Mega Zone' bill for ignoring worker safety

The national union of Samsung Electronics workers is demanding that the government withdraw its proposal to exempt semiconductor factories from the 52-hour workweek. The union argues that the proposed "Mega Special Zone Act" fails to address critical safety concerns for workers in semiconductor plants, which they describe as "not safe or clean spaces."

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The semiconductor workplace is not a safe and clean space.

In a statement released on the 6th, the union asserted that forcing workers to endure long hours and overwork while exposed to hazardous chemicals reduces them to mere consumables for industrial development. They view the potential exemption from the 52-hour workweek as a trade-off of workers' lives and health for industrial progress, calling the existing work hour limit a minimal protection for workers' health.

The union highlighted that the proposed legislation lacks any provisions to ensure a safe working environment for employees handling hazardous chemicals. Citing internal documents from Samsung, they revealed that common semiconductor processes involve substances like formaldehyde, a Group 1 carcinogen, and dichloromethane, a suspected human carcinogen. The union also criticized the company for withholding information about these chemicals, citing "trade secrets" and denying workers their right to know and their right to life.

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Forcing workers exposed to hazardous chemicals to endure long hours is a measure that reduces workers to consumables for industrial development.

"The future of the semiconductor industry cannot exist without the life and health of workers," the union declared. They urged the immediate withdrawal of the 52-hour workweek exemption and called for the inclusion of provisions in the Mega Special Zone Act that guarantee workers' right to life and safe working conditions. Additionally, they demanded legal guarantees for union participation in processes involving hazardous chemicals and a third-party investigation into the handling of these substances, with union-appointed experts involved.

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The future of the semiconductor industry cannot exist without the life and health of workers.