Workers at Samsung Biologics voted 96.5% to leave the Samsung Group United Union, opting for an independent union after internal divisions. The move follows wage disputes, work-to-rule actions and strikes. The 2024 umbrella union across Samsung affiliates has weakened amid member withdrawals. Negotiations with management are scheduled this week.

Seoul: Unionised workers of Samsung Biologics on Sunday voted in favour of a motion to leave a group-wide labor coalition representing workers across Samsung affiliates.

A motion to change the union's organisation structure, with the aim to leave the Samsung Group United Union, was passed following a five-day vote, which ran since Wednesday, reports Yonhap news agency.

Of the 4,005 members with voting rights, 2,479 participated and 96.5 percent voted in favour of the move, according to the labor union of Samsung Biologics.

"We believe there is a strong need to switch to an independent labor union, to reflect the interests and demands of our members more directly and swiftly," the union said.