The Samsung Biologics (207940.KS) Sangsaeng Labor Union has postponed a second general strike that was scheduled to begin on the 26th.
The union has decided to hold off on the three-week strike planned from the 26th and reschedule it, industry sources said on the 20th. The union had announced the walkout after failing to reach agreement with management on wage increases and changes to personnel systems despite three rounds of post-mediation talks.
The plan ran into trouble on the 16th, when the Seoul High Court expanded the number of production processes barred from industrial action to nine from three. The court found that halting operations carried a high risk of spoilage or degradation of raw materials and finished products, given the nature of biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The ruling leaves the union obliged to maintain the same staffing, operating hours and output at those processes even during a strike, which analysts see as the reason for the delay.
Weak participation also appears to have weighed on the decision. As of the previous day, fewer than 40% of union members had indicated they would join the strike, according to sources. Some members have criticized the leadership for deciding on a second strike too hastily.
The union has issued notice of an extraordinary general meeting on the 22nd to secure a strike fund and has called on management to resume negotiations. Since the previous day, it has been holding rallies on company premises during lunch breaks. "A full-scale strike is not impossible," a union official said, adding that the union "will carry out industrial action in a form consistent with the court ruling."