Samsung Electronics' (KRX:005930) decision to award bonuses of over $400,000 to some of its employees has led to labor protests across major firms in South Korea, Bloomberg News reported Friday.
Assembly-line workers at automaker Hyundai Motor (KRX:005380) plan to carry out a three-day partial strike next week to demand bonuses of up to 30% of consolidated profit, while unions at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (KRX:329180) and LG Uplus (KRX:032640) are seeking payouts equal to at least 30% of operating profit, the report said.
Employees at Hanwha Aerospace (KRX:012450) and HD Hyundai Electric (KRX:267260) seek bonus limitations removed, while workers at internet giant Kakao Corporation (KRX:035720) are demanding up to 15% of operating profit for bonuses, and technology firm Naver's (KRX:035420) union is establishing a coalition with affiliate unions to boost negotiations, Bloomberg News said.
Kakao Corporation could not be reached while Hyundai Motor, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, LG Uplus, Hanwha Aerospace, HD Hyundai Electric, and Naver did not immediately respond to' request for comment.
Shares of Samsung Electronics fell over 8%, those of Hyundai Motor and HD Hyundai Electric declined over 9% and 7% respectively, while shares of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries fell more than 2% in recent trade. Shares of LG Uplus declined over 1% while those of Hanwha Aerospace added nearly 3%. Shares of Kakao and Naver declined nearly 4% and over 7%, respectively.
(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)