Samsung chipworkers in line for six-figure bonuses in landmark AI deal

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Chipmakers at Samsung are in line for bonuses of £310,000 each from a landmark profit-sharing deal struck between unions and the company. Mediated by the South Korean government, the agreement requires Samsung to put aside 0.5% of operating profits from its semiconductor division for its 78,000 chip workers. This means bonuses, mostly paid in stock, that are eight times the average base salary. Although unions can claim victory after a lengthy dispute that was heading for strike action, employees in other divisions are likely to be unhappy at the smaller bonuses they will enjoy. It is only the second time a major South Korean company has formally agreed to pay workers a share of operating profit. The fact it has happened at Samsung, a bellwether for the country’s economy, may lead to similar demands at other firms.