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Samsung union to make gov't semiconductor project a 2027 negotiation item, citing 84% opposition

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Samsung Electronics' largest labor union, the Korean Federation of Labor Unions, announced it will make the government's 'Honam Semiconductor Mega Project' a negotiation agenda for 2027.
  • The union surveyed its members, with 84% opposing the project due to concerns about job transfers and working conditions.
  • The union argues that under the revised labor union law, business decisions affecting workers' conditions can be included in negotiations, and points to Samsung Electronics' CEO requesting project improvements as a sign of insufficient preparation.

Samsung Electronics' largest labor union, the Korean Federation of Labor Unions, has declared its intention to include the government's "Honam Semiconductor Mega Project" as a negotiation item for 2027. The union's stance, outlined in a statement released on the 13th, reflects significant opposition among its members.

Considering job transfers, working conditions, and treatment, 84% responded that they oppose the Honam semiconductor project.

— Korean Federation of Labor UnionsIn a statement explaining their opposition to the government's semiconductor project.

In a survey conducted on November 11-12, 84% of union members expressed opposition to the project. Their concerns primarily revolve around potential negative impacts on working conditions and job transfers. The union emphasizes that a project affecting the work locations and treatment of tens of thousands of employees should not proceed without thorough discussion with the union.

This project, which affects the work locations and treatment of tens of thousands of people, must be pursued through dialogue with the union.

— Korean Federation of Labor UnionsIn a statement explaining their opposition to the government's semiconductor project.

The union also cited the revised labor union law, often referred to as the "Yellow Envelope Law," which allows for business decisions impacting workers' conditions to be part of negotiation agendas. They pointed to Samsung Electronics CEO Jeon Young-hyun's public request for improvements to the project, including securing power sources, as evidence that the plan is not yet fully prepared. The union believes that if the CEO publicly requests modifications, further preparation is necessary, and that building trust should be prioritized over speed.

If a plan requires the CEO to publicly request improvements, it means more preparation is needed.

— Korean Federation of Labor UnionsIn a statement arguing against the rushed implementation of the semiconductor project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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