STORY: Unionized workers at South Korea’s Kakao staged a four-hour strike and rally on Wednesday.They demanded job security and changes to the tech firm’s bonus system. Hundreds of workers wearing black T-shirts and holding white umbrellas walked out of Kakao’s office in the morning.The union had told police as many as 1,200 members would join the rally.Local media reported the union plans a general strike for June 29 with all 5,000 members due to take part.Kakao operates South Korea’s biggest messaging app by users, and employs about 6,000 people.The dispute comes with growing labor unrest in South Korea as tech firms score record earnings during the global AI boom.Samsung Electronics’ union got a deal this month tying chip division bonuses to 10.5% of operating profit.Kakao said last month it had failed to reach a wage deal with the union in government-mediated talks.The union wants reform to Kakao’s compensation system.They argue executives have received higher bonus payments in recent years while other employees have seen limited benefits.Kakao previously said it turned down a union demand for profit-sharing, calling it unrealistic.The union refused to confirm details on the negotiation.Kakao said Wednesday its running a real-time system in response to the strike.It added management will keep talking with the union.
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