Technology

More than 30,000 Samsung union members take to the streets to demand an average bonus of $400,000 per worker — May 21 strike date looms, union points to rival SK hynix granting higher bonuses to its employees

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Apr 23, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

Samsung union members, with over 30,000 rallying in South Korea, are demanding a $400,000 average bonus per worker, totaling $27 billion. The union seeks 15% of the company's operating profit for chip-division workers, a bonus cap removal, and a 7% pay increase. Samsung management offered a 10% profit allocation, a 6.2% wage hike, and benefits, but the union rejected it, citing SK hynix's higher bonuses. If unresolved, a strike starting May 21 could lead to significant losses for Samsung.

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The Sub-2nm Paradox

The article discusses the challenges faced in semiconductor manufacturing at 2nm and below. It highlights the impact of process variation and physics on design, manufacturing, and economics. The focus is on faster data movement and more efficient computing rather than just increasing transistor density. The article also touches on the complexities of achieving performance, power consumption, and transistor density promises at these advanced nodes. Additionally, it mentions the shift towards multi-die assemblies of chiplets to address the limitations of single-die designs.

SemiEngineering•

2 weeks ago

Samsung granted court injunction against imminent strike action in last-minute reprieve — talks resume as unions barred from occupying or locking facilities, obstructing workers

Samsung has been granted a court injunction in South Korea to limit an upcoming strike by employees, prompting a return to negotiations. The strike, scheduled to start on May 21, is driven by worker dissatisfaction over bonus caps and profit sharing. The court order mandates normal staffing levels and prohibits union members from obstructing facilities, with fines for non-compliance. Talks between Samsung and the labor union have resumed to prevent the strike, which could cost the company billions in revenue.

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

Samsung meeting transcripts show memory workers offered incredible 607% bonus worth $477,000, while logic chip staff get as little as 50% — union says misbalance 'creates a retention crisis the company cannot afford'

Samsung's internal wage negotiation transcripts reveal a significant bonus disparity, with memory chip division workers offered bonuses worth 607% of their annual salary, while logic chip staff were offered as little as 50-100%. This imbalance has led to internal tensions and is a key driver behind Samsung facing its largest strike in history. The union argues that this misbalance is creating a retention crisis for the company. Samsung has since made changes in its bargaining team and issued a public apology in response to the dispute. Additionally, workers have been leaving Samsung's foundry operations for competitors like SK hynix, which has set a market benchmark for employee bonuses.

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

Samsung starts winding down chip production six days before planned 18-day strike — company enters 'emergency management mode,' daily losses could hit $2 billion

Samsung has begun reducing chip production ahead of an 18-day strike by employees over bonuses, leading to potential daily losses of $2 billion. The company is implementing "emergency management mode" by limiting new wafer input and adjusting production lines to focus on high-value chips. The pre-strike slowdown could extend to six weeks, with potential total losses estimated in the billions. The strike, with over 43,000 workers signed up, could disrupt global DRAM and NAND supply, impacting Samsung's reputation in the long term. Talks between Samsung and the union have collapsed, with negotiations potentially resuming after the strike ends on June 7.

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

The Sub-2nm Paradox

SemiEngineering•

2 weeks ago

Samsung granted court injunction against imminent strike action in last-minute reprieve — talks resume as unions barred from occupying or locking facilities, obstructing workers

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

Samsung meeting transcripts show memory workers offered incredible 607% bonus worth $477,000, while logic chip staff get as little as 50% — union says misbalance 'creates a retention crisis the company cannot afford'

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

Samsung starts winding down chip production six days before planned 18-day strike — company enters 'emergency management mode,' daily losses could hit $2 billion

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

More than 30,000 Samsung union members take to the streets to demand an average bonus of $400,000 per worker — May 21 strike date looms, union points to rival SK hynix granting higher bonuses to its employees

TL;DR

Similar Articles

The Sub-2nm Paradox

Samsung granted court injunction against imminent strike action in last-minute reprieve — talks resume as unions barred from occupying or locking facilities, obstructing workers

Samsung meeting transcripts show memory workers offered incredible 607% bonus worth $477,000, while logic chip staff get as little as 50% — union says misbalance 'creates a retention crisis the company cannot afford'

Samsung starts winding down chip production six days before planned 18-day strike — company enters 'emergency management mode,' daily losses could hit $2 billion

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More than 30,000 Samsung union members take to the streets to demand an average bonus of $400,000 per worker — May 21 strike date looms, union points to rival SK hynix granting higher bonuses to its employees

TL;DR

Similar Articles

The Sub-2nm Paradox

Samsung granted court injunction against imminent strike action in last-minute reprieve — talks resume as unions barred from occupying or locking facilities, obstructing workers

Samsung meeting transcripts show memory workers offered incredible 607% bonus worth $477,000, while logic chip staff get as little as 50% — union says misbalance 'creates a retention crisis the company cannot afford'

Samsung starts winding down chip production six days before planned 18-day strike — company enters 'emergency management mode,' daily losses could hit $2 billion