Chairperson Kim Ji-hyeong of the Economic, Social and Labor Council said on the 11th that the issue of an "operating profit n% bonus" should be put on the agenda for social dialogue and discussed in earnest.
At a briefing with reporters held that day in the main conference room of the Economic, Social and Labor Council in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Chairperson Kim said, "Whether it is subject to collective bargaining cannot, at this moment, be the solution to resolving this issue."
Earlier in May, the Samsung Electronics local of the super-company union at Samsung Group argued that a portion of operating profit should be used as the funding source for bonuses, and after a difficult process, management accepted it. The company promised to pay n% of operating profit as a bonus, and similar demands for bonuses are spreading at other corporations.
Chairperson Kim said, "With the positions of labor and management firmly opposed, whether it is subject to collective bargaining will ultimately be determined by a court ruling." Kim added, "Once the internal review is completed, it would be good to proceed by placing it on the agenda for social dialogue after working-level consultations among labor, management, and government, and then discussing it in earnest."
Regarding the easing of the 52-hour workweek system in the Honam semiconductor mega-special zone, Kim said, "It is necessary to listen to labor's voices and come up with measures to address labor's concerns." Chairperson Kim said, "If, going forward, advisory input is requested from the Economic, Social and Labor Council during the discussion process, or if the council is asked to play a role based on specific consultations among labor and government or among labor, management, and government, we will not hesitate to promote social dialogue."