A new labor union at SK Hynix has formally launched after winning establishment approval, bringing together about 2,400 technical, office and dedicated staff as the chipmaker continues wage and bonus talks. The independent Hynix Integrated labor union was created in response to a proposal to pay part of performance bonuses in company stock under a lock-up period rather than in cash. It aims to recruit more than 18,000 members, or over half of the workforce, which would give it majority status and make it the legally recognized representative in labor negotiations. The group says preserving cash bonuses is its top priority and is also pressing for greater transparency in bargaining as South Korea's labor environment shifts toward broader worker representation.