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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Ellie Kim] SEOUL, June 2 — Labor tensions in South Korea’s biopharmaceutical sector are expected to intensify following the launch of a labor union at Celltrion, amid ongoing bonus-related disputes across the industry.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions said on June 1 that a Celltrion branch union has been officially established — the first since the company’s founding in 2002. The union, nicknamed “Unitrion,” is calling for transparent performance-based bonus criteria, fair compensation, and improved employee welfare.
Celltrion said it respects employees’ legal rights and will respond in good faith if formal procedures proceed.
The development comes as concerns grow that the biopharma industry could face a wave of labor disputes similar to those seen in the IT sector, particularly over performance-based pay. Prolonged conflicts or potential strikes could disrupt production and undermine confidence in the rapidly growing K-bio sector.
Earlier, Samsung Biologics workers staged a full-scale strike last month, demanding wage increases and bonuses equivalent to 20% of operating profit, with negotiations still unresolved.
Alphabiz Ellie Kim 인턴기자(press@alphabiz.co.kr)
