[Edaily Reporter JAEMIN SONG ] “SamsungElectronics Labor Union Donghaeng,” a labor union centered on employees of SamsungElectronics’ Consumer Electronics (DX) Division, has elected Son Yong-ho as its new chairman. The new executive board plans to demand improvements in performance-based bonuses and working conditions for the DX Division, while also pursuing joint negotiations with the union of the Semiconductor (DS) Division.

According to the Donghaeng Union on the 28th, in the election for the next chairperson and senior vice chairperson—held from the 21st until 9:00 a.m. that day—the ticket of Chairperson Son Yong-ho and Senior Vice Chairperson Ahn Young-deuk was elected with 9,777 votes. Their vote share was 54.15%.

Out of a total of 29,102 eligible voters, 18,057 cast their ballots, resulting in a voter turnout of 62.05%.

The Donghaeng Union is a labor union primarily composed of employees from the DX division, which handles smartphones, home appliances, and TVs. As of the 27th, the union had 30,935 members, representing approximately 63% of the DX division’s total workforce of about 49,000. This rapid increase in membership is believed to be driven by growing internal dissatisfaction over the fact that performance-based bonuses and compensation are smaller compared to those in the DS division.

The new executive board plans to launch a task force (TF) on wages and collective bargaining agreements to prepare for next year’s wage negotiations. The union intends to establish a joint bargaining structure with the DS Division and bring demands for expanded performance-based bonuses and improved working conditions in the DX Division to the negotiating table.

However, coordination among the unions is necessary before a joint negotiating team can actually be formed. It is reported that the SamsungElectronics Branch of the Samsung Group Inter-Company Labor Union—whose members are primarily from the DS division—conveyed its position to the Donghaeng Union last month that it would not form a joint negotiating team for next year’s wage negotiations.

The Donghaeng Union has also been holding an indefinite sit-in protest since the 18th near the residence of SamsungElectronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. They are demanding an opportunity to speak directly with Chairman Lee regarding wage negotiations and the distribution of performance-based bonuses.

In a recent internal union announcement, Chairman Son stated, “If we do not correct the discrimination between DS and DX now, this injustice will repeat itself in 2027 and beyond,” signaling that the union will take action to bridge the compensation gap.