GSK and Pfizer intensify treatment conflicts after merger

Pfizer's union accuses GSK of alleged misconduct

Many of the Consumer Health employees also raised the possibility of refusing to remain

There is a friction over the integration process of Pfizer Korea and GlaxoSmithKline's Consumer Health Division.

 

Pfizer Pharmaceutical's union raises suspicions that GSK will endorse unfair changes in working conditions in the process of employee succession.

 

There are ten days left to launch an integrated corporation, and a possibility that variables may arise during the merger process if employees refuse to transfer largely.

 

According to the related industry on the 14th, Pfizer Korea’s labor union had an emergency meeting with about 50 employees of Consumer Health Division in the afternoon.

 

The intent is to seek a response to GSK's notification that Pfizer's Consumer Health Division employees must submit a written consent by this coming 17th to agree to transfer to GSK on the condition that they agree to change the disadvantage of working conditions.

 

Pfizer and GSK Korea have been pursuing related procedures since the merger with Consumer Healthcare in 2018.

 

As GSK establishes a joint venture with 68% of the joint venture and Pfizer's remaining 32%, GSK is committed to 100% succession of Pfizer employees.

 

The organization of the headquarters has already completed the establishment of a joint venture and transfer of its employees in August last year, and GSK & Pfizer Consumer Health Korea is expected to launch a corporation on the 24th as the related procedure has reached its final stage.

 

The problem arises from the fact that labor negotiations over working conditions have not progressed even though the date of incorporation is approached ten days in advance.

 

Pfizer's union argues that GSK, the owner of the negotiating bargaining agreement, has asked Pfizer employees to change their working conditions to be 100% identical to GSK, and the gap has not narrowed.

 

It is pointed out that the employee's options were limited because the company insisted employees should approve changes of disadvantages in working conditions if employees want to transfer with GSK for more than two months since last December On the 10th, Pfizer's labor union, Pfizer's human resources officers and GSK's human resources officers agreed that even if employees want to transfer, whether they agree to changes of disadvantages in working conditions are left to the opinion of individuals.

 

But, they took back their words in four hours.

 

It also uncovered that employees of Pfizer Pharmaceutical Consumer Business Division of Korea had to submit an agreement by e-mail by the 17th that they would agree to change the disadvantage of working conditions and change the retirement pension system if they want to transfer work.

 

Yun-gyu Park, the chairman of Korea Pfizer labor union, said, “It is a serious offense to allow GSK transfers under the conditions of work conditions and retirement pension, and employees who were unilaterally notified by e-mail are not able to get out of shock”.

 

Pfizer Korea's HR team tipped off that GSK had an attitude problem and raised objections to the headquarters.

 

According to Park, most employees complain about the wide difference in working conditions such as benefits and ranks.

 

For example, Pfizer has six ranks and GSK has three levels.

 

According to the GSK standard, even if there are paid health leave, sick leave and other leave, medical expenses support, and retirement pension system, the company must bear a considerable disadvantage.

 

Apart from the difference in the basic labor system, he also pointed out that the entire agreement contained many poisonous clauses.

 

It was also predicted that confusion would be inevitable if the majority of the 53 members of the Consumer Health team refused to do so.

 

It is pointed out that the launch of an integrated corporation may have a problem.

 

The two companies have not disclosed their official position.

 

Pfizer and GSK officials said, "There is currently no formal issue that can be revealed, except that the two companies are in the process of merging the consumer healthcare business".