Samsung Biologics (207940) and its labor union held a third post-mediation session on wage and collective bargaining but failed to reach a deal. Management offered a 6.2% wage increase while the union held to its earlier demand of about 15%, leaving the gap unbridged. With the union signaling further collective action, the dispute has reached a critical juncture.
The two sides began the third post-mediation session at 10 a.m. on the 1st but did not reach an agreement, according to industry sources.
In a statement after the session, the union said management did present an additional proposal but that the gap between the two sides was so wide that the mediators concluded scheduling a fourth session would be meaningless. The union added that the mediators left open the possibility of setting a new date later if requested. "We will exercise the rights the union holds for the benefit of our members," the union said. Specific dates and guidelines for collective action have not been set, but the union said the likelihood of action is high given that no fourth session has been scheduled.
Samsung Biologics said it had put forward every possible proposal for the 2026 wage and collective bargaining talks, including additional items on the collective agreement as well as pay and benefits. The company said it had explained, based on objective data drawn from regulatory filings, that the 6.2% increase it offered was sufficient to maintain competitive pay levels. It added that it had also proposed interest support for employee stock ownership in a rights offering, which it expects to deliver financial benefits averaging more than 5 million won per employee.
The two sides held a first post-mediation session at the Incheon Regional Labor Relations Commission on the 8th of last month and a second on the 22nd, but found no common ground. With the third session also breaking down, the chances of further collective action have risen. The union staged a partial strike in April and its first full strike from May 1 to 5.
