SK hynix management and its labour union approved a revised 2026 wage and collective bargaining agreement in a two-day membership vote that ran from Sept. 15. A total of 8,731 members voted in favour, for an approval rate of 57.08 percent. SK hynix said on Sept. 16 that the revised proposal, drawn up on Sept. 9 after renegotiations, was finalised through the vote.

The first tentative deal had split members in a vote on Aug. 25, with 49.92 percent (7,510 votes) in favour and 50.08 percent (7,535 votes) against. The gap was 25 votes, and turnout was 93.81 percent. After the rejection, labour and management held intensive talks for about two weeks, focusing on how bonuses would be paid. They produced a revised deal on Sept. 9 that adjusted the bonus payout structure and put it to a revote.

During the revote process, the company held about 60 briefing sessions for employees. SK hynix said it worked to raise members' understanding of the meaning, purpose and effects of the system change, and that this was assessed to have played a decisive role in securing approval.

The revision adjusts the ratio for bonus payments. The previous deal set the mix at 40 percent cash and 60 percent stock, but it has been changed to 50 percent cash and 50 percent stock. SK hynix also broke down the cash portion so employees can choose stock in 10-percent increments, allowing them to receive the entire bonus in stock if they want. The company described this as a step that broadened individual choice.

To reduce confusion from the change in the payment method, the company decided to bring forward and pay in advance, in a lump sum, amounts from performance-based bonuses based on last year's results that had been set to be deferred and paid in instalments over next year and the year after. It also newly codified a clause to defer wages in the event of losses.

Eligibility for housing loan support was also expanded. Previously, only married households could receive additional support beyond the basic assistance, but single-parent families were newly included. SK hynix plans to hold a signing ceremony for the final agreement before the Chuseok holiday to formally conclude this year's wage talks process.

SK hynix said it was grateful to the union and employees who went through the difficult process together, and that the company and employees would put their heads together to overcome future problems on their own.