SK hynix and its union reached a tentative 2026 wage and collective bargaining agreement on the 20th that raises wages 6.3% and restructures performance sharing so 40% is paid in cash and 60% in company stock, mixing same-year and deferred grants, after talks completed without strikes or external mediation. Share awards use the lowest closing price among the preliminary earnings disclosure, cash payment and grant dates, with 2027 first-year flexibility allowing up to 80% cash and price-drop safeguards after delivery. The bonus pool remains 10% of operating profit; FnGuide consensus projects about 266.65 trillion won in operating profit this year and a roughly 27 trillion won pool, or about 770 million won per person across some 35,000 employees, reducing same-year cash versus the prior framework. The deal allows temporary deferral of up to 3% of wages in operating-loss years after job-security talks, expands welfare and a voluntary 1:1 donation match, and still needs union delegate approval. Additional share buybacks are expected to help fund awards, while Samsung Electronics’ stock-bonus model and Hyundai Motor and Kia union demands for larger profit-linked cash and share awards point to wider industry spillover.