[News Today] Samsung union votes on wage deal

[LEAD]

Samsung Electronics union members began voting today on the tentative deal reached with management. The agreement includes key provisions on performance bonuses.

But those terms can only take effect if the deal is approved by the union vote.

[REPORT]

Samsung Electronics labor union began to vote on the tentative wage deal from 2 p.m. Friday.

The electronic voting will continue for six days until 10 a.m. on May 27.

If a majority of union members with voting rights take part and if a majority of them vote in support, the wage deal will be approved.

The tentative agreement struck by management and labor on Wednesday includes plans to create a special performance bonus for the semiconductor division.

It also includes provisions on an average 6.2% wage hike and a new scheme on housing loans.

Earlier, Choi Seung-ho, leader of the chipmaker's largest union, said the deal was the outcome of best efforts exerted by the union and the joint struggle headquarters.

Observers speculate there's a high chance the vote will pass through.

A passage requires support from over 35,000 members or so, while memory division employees who secured several hundred million won in bonus pay, combined with those serving in common sectors exceed 30,000.

However, variables still remain as opinions are split among non-memory division union members who receive relatively less bonus pay and those working in the finished product business, sidelined from negotiations, who can cast dissenting votes.