SK hynix and its labour union have prepared a tentative agreement on a wage and collective bargaining deal that revises how bonuses are paid. The two sides said they held an emergency meeting of temporary delegates on Wednesday afternoon and disclosed a tentative agreement under which 40 percent of profit-sharing payments (PS) will be paid in cash and the remaining 60 percent in the company’s own shares.

SK hynix and the union agreed last year to allocate 10 percent of the previous year’s operating profit as the source of PS funds and to abolish the cap on PS. They agreed to maintain the framework for 10 years, but had not decided the detailed payment method. Under the agreement at the time, 80 percent of PS would be paid in cash in the relevant year, with the remaining 20 percent paid in deferred instalments over two years.

The tentative agreement changes the payment system after 1 year. Of the 60 percent paid in shares, 40 percent can be sold the day after receipt, but the remaining 20 percent is restricted from sale as deferred pay. It effectively specifies the bonus payment method for the first time since last year’s agreement.

The union held a delegates’ conference for employees at 2 p.m. on Wednesday to present an explanation briefing on the 2026 wage and collective bargaining talks. The union plans to decide whether to pass the final agreement through a delegates’ vote following the conference. Opposition from members is expected to continue, as the payment method changed 1 year after agreeing to maintain the bonus framework for 10 years and the actual compensation could vary depending on share price fluctuations.

The wage increase rate was set at 6.3 percent. The tentative agreement also includes expanding the existing pension limit to up to 400,000 won and increasing shift work allowances and the company welfare fund, known as Hiwell points. It also includes expanding condolence payments and funeral support, and increasing housing loan support.