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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Ellie Kim] A labor dispute at Samsung Biologics has escalated into a series of mutual legal complaints between management and its union, intensifying tensions within the company.
According to industry sources on May 19, both the company and the Samsung Biologics branch of the Samsung Group’s multi-employer union have filed multiple lawsuits against each other since March.
The company filed a complaint on April 22 against union leader Park Jae-sung with the Incheon Yeonsu Police Station, alleging defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act and breach of trust. Management claims that Park edited and externally distributed internal documents, including tax invoices and advertising-related records containing sensitive business information.
The union, however, argues that the materials do not constitute trade secrets and were included in a union newsletter to inform members about management practices. Whether the documents qualify as confidential information and whether their disclosure caused financial damage will be determined through investigation.
The company has also filed additional complaints, including allegations that a union member interfered with operations by monitoring working employees during a strike. On May 8, it filed further charges against six union officials, including Park, for obstruction of business and unlawful entry, claiming that workers responsible for essential processes joined the strike despite a court injunction restricting such actions.
Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that no cases have been concluded.
The union has responded with counter-complaints, accusing management of suppressing legitimate labor activities and violating labor laws. It has filed complaints with the regional labor office, alleging unfair labor practices and violations of the Labor Standards Act, including unpaid wages for temporary workers and unilateral changes to employment rules without majority employee consent.
Both police and labor authorities are continuing investigations into the full scope of allegations raised by both sides, as the dispute shows no signs of easing.
Alphabiz Ellie Kim 인턴기자(press@alphabiz.co.kr)
