Samsung Union Vote Rate Exceeds 86% for 2026 Pay Agreement

Huo Xing Finance reports that on May 25, the largest union at Samsung Group saw a sharp rise in voter turnout for the approval vote on the preliminary agreement regarding 2026 wages and collective bargaining. As a result, expectations for the agreement’s approval are rising. However, disputes over fairness are expected to persist due to significant bonus disparities between the semiconductor and device experiences divisions, as well as between memory and non-memory divisions. According to the union, as of 8:29 a.m. local time (7:29 a.m. Beijing time) on the 25th, 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 make up approximately 80% of all union members, are likely to drive the agreement’s passage. The vote will be finalized if a majority of eligible voters participate and a majority of those voting support the agreement. Voting will conclude on May 27 at 10:00 a.m. (Jin Shi)