LS Cable & System union begins first strike in 37 years

The labor union at LS Cable & System has initiated its first strike in 37 years, breaking a long-standing tradition of non-dispute labor relations. The industrial action began with partial strikes at the Gumi, Indong, and Donghae plants following a breakdown in wage and collective bargaining negotiations.

The dispute centers on compensation. The union is demanding a 6.5% increase in base pay and performance bonuses equivalent to 15% of operating profits, citing the company's record-breaking financial performance driven by the AI data center and global power grid boom. In contrast, the company has proposed a 4% base pay increase and a fixed bonus of 8.5 million won, noting the need to balance compensation with large-scale facility investments.

While the union has held rallies and partial strikes, the company stated that production lines remain operational through the use of essential and available personnel. The union plans to monitor the company's response to potential revised offers but has threatened to escalate pressure through nationwide solidarity rallies if negotiations do not improve.