TSMC Faces Rising Employee Dissatisfaction Over Potential Bonus Cuts Despite Exceeding Earnings

TSMC, the world's largest semiconductor contract manufacturer (foundry), has posted first-quarter results that surpassed market expectations, but employee dissatisfaction is escalating amid speculation about potential bonus reductions. Claims that bonuses could be cut by up to 15% have recently spread across social media and online communities related to TSMC, unsettling the internal atmosphere. The company has not yet officially disclosed its compensation standards or payment details.

Local economic media outlets have analyzed that TSMC's plans to build 12 new semiconductor plants in the U.S. and other regions globally, along with the immense investment costs, are the background for the potential bonus cuts.

Following the news of possible bonus reductions, employee backlash has ensued. One employee criticized on social media, stating, "The company is unilaterally changing everything according to its internal management logic" and "has no conscience." Another employee lamented, "Employees are suffering from overwork every day, but in the end, they are trying to cut bonuses for shareholders." Fatigue from the high-intensity work culture was also expressed. Some employees complained about the constant work system, pleading, "Please automatically block the work platform in the evenings and on weekends."

Amidst this sentiment, the schedule for Samsung Electronics' labor union's provisional agreement vote on wage negotiations has been mentioned, reportedly increasing interest within TSMC regarding potential labor union activities and collective action. The Samsung Electronics union vote is scheduled to conclude on April 27th. Some TSMC employees have posted online, suggesting the possibility of collective action with messages such as "The 27th will be the real turning point," "Is pursuing a strike illegal?", and "It's time to take action now."