Unionized workers at Kakao, the South Korean messenger app operator, collectively took a day off in protest due to stalled wage negotiations. This action, termed a “Log-out Day,” involved around 2,100 employees from various Kakao units. The deadlock in wage talks arose from disagreements over performance-based incentives.
Workers are pushing for bonuses amounting to 13 to 14 percent of operating profit, a demand rejected by management citing excessive financial strain. The first strike occurred on June 10, with 1,500 union members walking out for four hours near the company’s headquarters. Concerns loom over potential disruptions to Kakao’s services, including the widely used KakaoTalk app.
Despite the industrial action, Kakao’s management aims to resume negotiations with the union while ensuring service stability. Meanwhile, at Samsung Biologics, union members voted to exit a labor coalition representing Samsung affiliates. The decision to restructure the union’s organization garnered overwhelming support, signaling a significant shift within the labor landscape.
