Samsung Electronics’s tentative agreement with its labour unions will see semiconductor employees getting average bonuses of about 509 million won ($338,000). The deal, struck after government mediated discussion, has successfully averted a planned 18 day strike.
Under the proposal, workers will receive bonuses equal to 10.5 per cent of the chip division’s operating profit in stock, in addition to 1.5 per cent in cash.
In total, payouts could reach up to 12 per cent of operating profit. Based on projected operating profits of 331 trillion won and a workforce of around 78,000 semiconductor employees, the estimated average bonus comes to 509 million won per person.
The bonus system will run for ten years, tied to performance targets. Between 2026 and 2028, the semiconductor unit must achieve annual operating profits of at least 200 trillion won, and from 2029 to 2035, at least 100 trillion won each year.
The agreement comes as Samsung’s chip business benefits from booming demand for AI technologies. Its memory chips power consumer electronics, processors, and advanced AI focused data centre products. Earlier this year, Samsung reported a 750 per cent jump in first quarter operating profit compared to last year, and its market value recently crossed $1 trillion.
While some shareholders argue the plan requires formal consent under Commercial Law, the deal highlights Samsung’s commitment to rewarding employees and securing stability as it invests heavily in AI and next generation semiconductor growth.