Samsung Electronics union pushes to negotiate Gwangju mega‑fab project under new labor law

South Korea's largest Samsung Electronics labor union, the Chogijeop (Super‑Enterprise) union, announced it will treat the planned Gwangju semiconductor fab—referred to as the "Ho‑nam" or "mega‑project"—as a bargaining issue in next year’s collective‑agreement talks. Citing the Yellow Envelope Act, which extends collective‑bargaining rights to business decisions affecting members’ working conditions, the union said the investment, valued at several trillion won, will impact tens of thousands of workers. A member survey showed 84 % opposition to the project.

The union also reported that Samsung’s management has expressed concern about the project's burden on executives and has signaled a negative stance in recent meetings. The union is calling for a tripartite dialogue involving the government, employers and labour representatives before the project proceeds, emphasizing that the speed and scale of the investment require trust‑building rather than haste.