Samsung Union Sees Surge in Approval Vote for 2026 Wage Agreement

Samsung Group's largest union has reported a significant increase in the approval voting rate for the preliminary agreement on 2026 wages and collective bargaining. According to Jin10, expectations for the agreement's approval are rising. However, debates over fairness are expected to continue due to the substantial bonus disparities between the semiconductor and device experience divisions, as well as between memory and non-memory sectors. As of 8:29 a.m. local time on May 25 (7:29 a.m. UTC+8), 49,363 out of 57,291 eligible voters had cast their votes on the preliminary wage and collective agreement, resulting in a voting rate of 86.16%, according to the union. This vote is the final step in deciding whether to accept the preliminary wage and collective bargaining agreement reached between labor and management. The agreement centers on allocating 10.5% of the 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 members of the DS division, who make up about 80% of the entire union membership, are likely to push the agreement through. The vote will be finalized if a majority of eligible members participate and a majority of those voting are in favor. Voting will conclude at 10 a.m. on May 27.