Samsung Biologics Union Votes to Leave Company-Wide Labor Group After Strikes

Unionized workers at Samsung Biologics voted to leave the Samsung Group United Union, the company-wide labor coalition, Yonhap reported Sunday. The five-day vote, which began Wednesday, passed with 96.5 percent support among the 2,479 members who participated out of 4,005 eligible. The labor union of Samsung Biologics said the change would allow it to address members' interests more directly.

"We believe there is a strong need to switch to an independent labor union, to reflect the interests and demands of our members more directly and swiftly," the union stated. Workers have conducted a work-to-rule campaign since early last month seeking higher pay and better conditions.

The union held a three-day partial strike in late April and a five-day walkout of about 2,800 members in early May.

The union is scheduled to meet management for negotiations this week. , and Samsung Electronics Co. It lost majority status by early June after multiple withdrawals, especially from non-chip units. A file photo from May 6 shows workers outside the Samsung Biologics factory gates in Incheon.