[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Samsung Biologics’ labor union began a full-scale strike on May 1, marking the first walkout since the company’s founding in 2011, and urged management to enter immediate negotiations.

In a statement, the union said the strike was not merely about wages but stemmed from “management’s failure in decision-making,” arguing that the company’s leadership had neglected on-the-ground realities despite growing competition in the global contract drug manufacturing market.

The union plans to continue the strike through May 5. It criticized the company for relying on legal pressure—such as injunctions—along with administrative measures and warning messages about potential losses, instead of engaging in substantive negotiations.

“Despite more than a month of calls for meaningful dialogue following failed mediation, the company has not presented responsible proposals,” the union said, adding that management had warned employees of potential losses of about KRW 150 billion and damage to client trust.

The union argued that if management had been truly concerned about such risks, it should have prioritized negotiations rather than urging employees to refrain from striking.

Describing the situation as a “comprehensive failure of leadership,” the union said the strike reflects broader shortcomings in decision-making and crisis response by current management.

 

 

 

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