Micron Taoyuan Union Wins Strike Vote, Seeks 15% Operating-Profit Share

The Taoyuan branch of Taiwan Micron’s wafer union won authorization to strike after 99% of participating members backed the move on Oct. 7, increasing pressure on Micron to replace one-time bonuses with profit-linked compensation.

Of 2,258 eligible members, 2,012 voted. The tally included 1,994 votes in favor, 14 against and four invalid ballots, producing an 89.1% turnout.

The union is seeking a system that distributes 15% of Micron’s operating profit to employees. It wants the arrangement to replace company-determined one-time bonuses and make compensation more transparent by linking employee pay to profitability.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor urged Micron to present a concrete, workable proposal for negotiations. The ministry also described a strike as a last resort for workers seeking to protect their rights and said it would coordinate with local authorities to support further talks.

Micron said it respects employees’ legal rights and procedures and will continue discussions with the Taoyuan union. The company also plans to continue mediation with its Taichung union while seeking a solution acceptable to both sides.

The Taoyuan facility mainly produces dynamic random-access memory, or DRAM. TrendForce analyst 王豫琪 said a strike affecting equipment maintenance or process monitoring could reduce production yields and stability, with the eventual impact depending on the size and duration of any stoppage and the company’s response.

The union plans to notify workers of further action if Micron’s board does not produce a concrete result during board meetings scheduled for Oct. 8-9. It has also encouraged employees to take leave and gather at Ketagalan Boulevard on Oct. 19.