Samsung Union Vote on 2026 Pay Deal Nears Final Approval

Odaily Planet Daily report: The approval voting rate for the preliminary agreement on wages and collective bargaining for 2026 at Samsung Group’s largest union has surged sharply, raising expectations that the agreement will be approved. However, disputes over fairness are expected to persist due to significant bonus disparities between the Semiconductor and Device Experience divisions, as well as between memory and non-memory departments. According to the union, as of 8:29 a.m. local time on the 25th (7:29 a.m. Beijing time), 49,363 out of 57,291 eligible voters had cast ballots on the preliminary agreement, resulting in a voter turnout of 86.16%. This vote represents the final step in determining whether to accept the preliminary wage and collective bargaining agreement reached between labor and management. The core of the agreement involves allocating 10.5% of DS division’s operating performance as a special management performance bonus fund, to be paid in the form of treasury shares. Industry observers believe that DS division members, who account for approximately 80% of all union members, are likely to drive the agreement’s approval. The vote will be finalized if a majority of eligible voters participate and a majority of those who vote support the agreement. Voting will conclude at 10:00 a.m. on the 27th. (Jinshi)