Samsung Semiconductor Workers Approve Profit-Sharing Deal, Ending 18-Day Strike - News and Statistics

May 28, 2026

Personnel involved in Samsung’s semiconductor AI operations are poised to receive bonuses around EUR350,000 following a profit-sharing arrangement. Two labor organizations representing the Korean chip manufacturer stated that 74% of their membership, exceeding 60,000 individuals, approved the agreement, bringing an 18-day work stoppage to an end. According to Yonhap, the Korean news outlet, the pact grants semiconductor staff a performance bonus amounting to 10.5% of corporate profits, disbursed in shares. Yonhap further reported that if Samsung’s operating profit surpasses the projected 300 trillion won (EUR172 billion) for this year, bonus payouts could reach 600 million won (EUR346,750) for over 28,000 workers in the chip unit.

Following the ballot, Samsung Electronics vice-president Yeo Myung-gu remarked that with this wage settlement concluded, management and labor will unite to enhance global competitiveness. He expressed gratitude to the union and all staff for conducting talks sincerely and maintaining dialogue until the very end. The Korea Herald noted that the accord was finalized within 48 hours after a South Korean court invalidated an injunction filed by five Samsung employees aiming to halt the union-led collective bargaining process.

Samsung staff in Korea have been pursuing strike actions since last December, when they originally sought a 7% wage hike. Reports indicate that Samsung’s domestic semiconductor competitor, SK Hynix, had already set aside 10% of its operating profit for bonuses the previous year. Under this new framework, chip workers could potentially receive bonuses up to 3,000% of their base salary. Local media reports say employees at other South Korean firms, such as mobile operator LG and internet company Kakao, are now demanding AI-linked bonuses and threatening strikes if their demands are unmet.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that Taiwanese chip giant TSMC has pledged an average 30% rise in profit-sharing bonuses for its staff this year. Several European and global unions, including the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the UK’s Trade Union Congress (TUC), are advocating for workers to obtain a fair portion of profits from the AI surge. The Uni Global Union calls for the economic gains from AI to be spread broadly and equitably, benefiting all humanity through national and international policies. Euronews Next contacted these unions to inquire about any collective bargaining initiatives launched to secure similar protections for AI workers but received no immediate response.

1. INTRODUCTION

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

REPORT DESCRIPTION
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Quick Overview of Market Performance

KEY FINDINGS
MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO

3. MARKET OVERVIEW

Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects

MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
MARKET FORECAST TO 2035

4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT

5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export

TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
UNSATURATED MARKETS
TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

7. PRODUCTION

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

8. IMPORTS

The Largest Import Supplying Countries

IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

9. EXPORTS

The Largest Destinations for Exports

EXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

11. COUNTRY PROFILES

The Largest Markets And Their Profiles

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11.1

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