Alphabiz - Samsung Bonus Gap Sparks Tensions Across Affiliates

Members of the “Donghaeng” labor union, representing employees of the Device eXperience (DX) division at Samsung Electronics, speak in front of the company’s main gate in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, on May 22, as voting begins on a tentative wage agreement. (Photo: Yonhap News Agency)

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, May 25 — A planned special performance bonus for the semiconductor division of Samsung Electronics is triggering discontent across major Samsung affiliates, raising concerns over broader labor relations risks within the group.

According to industry sources, employees at key affiliates such as Samsung Display, Samsung SDI, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics have voiced frustration after reports that bonuses for the DS (Device Solutions) division’s memory business could reach as high as KRW 600 million per employee.

While most affiliates have already concluded wage negotiations, differences in performance-based compensation have fueled calls for expanded rewards and potential revisions to existing bonus systems. Some units reported relatively low or zero payouts under the current EVA-based incentive structure, despite solid revenue performance.

The growing disparity has intensified internal debate over compensation frameworks, with certain labor groups pushing for alternative bonus schemes. Meanwhile, a labor union representing non-semiconductor employees has announced plans to seek a court injunction to halt a vote on a tentative wage agreement, citing concerns over exclusion from the decision-making process.

Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)