Samsung’s unionized workers call for 5.4 pct wage hike

SEOUL, Unionized workers representing 11 labor unions affiliated with Samsung Group on Tuesday called for an average 5.4 percent wage increase for this year. The Samsung Group Labor Unions Solidarity unveiled the demand in a press conference, saying the proposed percentage reflects 3.6 percent inflation for 2023 and a 1.8 percent increase in labor productivity. They also demanded Samsung Group improve the wage peak system, extend the retirement age, ensure work-life balance, including five days of refreshment leave, introduce a fairer evaluation system and establish a joint labor-management task force. The union proposed a face-to-face meeting with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong as a way to improve labor-management relations. "We want Chairman Lee Jae-yong, who made the courageous decision to abandon the union-free management doctrine, to meet with union representatives and listen to reasonable proposals for the mutual benefit of labor and management," the union said. The solidarity has 11 me mber unions from Samsung Group affiliates, including Samsung Display Co., Samsung Life Insurance Co. and Samsung Fire and Marine Insurance Co. Source: Yonhap News Agency