Celltrion has launched its first labor union 25 years after its founding. The union named improvements to the bonus system and welfare framework, as well as workforce expansion, as key tasks.
On the 1st, the industry said Unitrion, the Celltrion chapter under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Chemical, Textile and Food Industry Union, officially launched the same day. Celltrion has about 2,900 executives and employees, including researchers, office staff, administrative staff, and production workers.
In a press release, the union said, "What came back to the workers who guarded the production sites day and night, kept the lights on in the labs, and crisscrossed the global market was nothing but unilateral sacrifice and notice in the name of 'pride,'" and added, "We will restore workers' legitimate rights and create a workplace where common sense prevails."
The union first stressed it would increase transparency in the excess-profit bonus system. It argued that management's promised "待遇 that surpasses competitors" had ultimately deteriorated into a formal bonus payout calibrated to rival levels, and demanded clear criteria for calculating bonuses.
It also presented improvements to the welfare system as a major demand. The union said, "Compared with peers, the level of welfare points is markedly low," and argued, "Benefits should be expanded to a level that can substantively contribute to improving the quality of life of executives and employees, rather than token perks for show."
It also urged staffing increases befitting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The union said, "We need to secure sufficient personnel to create an environment where people can work stably," and noted, "The company is pursuing workforce efficiency by touting artificial intelligence (AI)-based automation, but when system errors or quality issues occur, responsibility ultimately falls on frontline staff."
It raised issues with how the flexible work system is run. The union argued, "As the flexible work system is applied differently at the discretion of department heads, it is fueling distrust and a sense of deprivation within the organization," and added, "If we are going to benchmark competitors, we must also improve welfare and work systems together."
It also said it would improve what it called a control-centered organizational culture, including forced early arrivals, excessive dress codes, and mandatory "3 discipline 5S" activities. The union emphasized, "We will break apart a premodern organizational culture that suppresses members' autonomy."
Celltrion said it respects the establishment of the union itself. A company official said, "We respect the rights guaranteed by law regarding the establishment of a union, and if related procedures proceed, we plan to respond faithfully in accordance with laws and systems," and added, "We will do our best to communicate with employees and exercise responsible management so as not to disrupt the stability of company operations and continued growth."