Samsung Biologics' labor union, on strike since Friday in its first-ever walkout, agreed to resume negotiations with management on Monday under mediation by the Jungbu regional employment and labor office. Around 2,800 of 4,000 unionized workers are participating as the action enters its third day, with the union planning to continue until Tuesday.
The walkout, demanding a 14 percent raise in base and performance pay among other items, began Friday after 13 rounds of failed talks and rejected arbitration preconditions. The company offered 6.2 percent previously, with first-round negotiations collapsing Thursday.
"Our decision to respond to the labor ministry's arbitration request during the walkout was part of our sincere efforts to sort the issue out through dialogue," a company source said. The firm estimates the strike could cause at least 640 billion won ($433 million) in damage, half its Q1 sales.
The union calls for "fair and transparent" personnel management and will continue striking until Tuesday. A company representative urged ending "irrational" demands. Both sides will renegotiate Monday under Jungbu regional employment and labor office mediation.
This follows the strike's launch Friday and stalled talks over the weekend, amid production halts in some areas.
