SK hynix held its fifth round of bonus negotiations with a Korean union representative on Tuesday at the chipmaker's Cheongju factory campus.

The two sides are at odds over SK hynix's generous bonus scheme. Last year, SK hynix agreed to distribute 10% of its annual operating profit to employees. Based on calculations, this could mean an average of 779 million won (approximately $547,127) per employee in 2026.

In a notice to members, the union stated that management proposed issuing more than half of the bonuses in the form of shares, with restrictions on when they can be sold. The notice also indicated that the company wants to adjust bonus payouts during periods of losses.

The union declared, "We will never accept any arrangement that exposes union members to the risk of stock price fluctuations."

The union warned that if the company fails to present a "specific and forward-looking revision plan" during Tuesday's negotiations, dialogue alone will be insufficient to resolve the matter, and it will "take necessary actions."

SK hynix's stock price has surged more than 130% this year but has fallen nearly 50% since reaching an all-time high in June.