An advocacy group for former employees of Samsung Electronics Co. who allegedly suffered from leukemia and other illnesses while working on chip-making lines accepted the company’s proposal for compensation talks Tuesday, opening the way for resolving the drawn-out dispute.

Samsung Electronics has been at loggerheads with the families of the alleged victims of leukemia and other workplace diseases for the past six years. Following the deaths of young semiconductor workers who were diagnosed with diseases such as leukemia, Samsung has been embroiled in a heated controversy over an alleged link between harmful chemicals in its chip plants and such illnesses.

The Supporters for the Health And Rights of People in the Semiconductor industry (SHARPS), the organization that represents the workers and family members involved in the case, said in a statement, “We formally accept Samsung’s proposal to start negotiations on compensation.”

“SHARPS will be committed to resolving and preventing the occupational disease issue and hopes Samsung Electronics will also take a responsible stance in the talks,” it said after holding a press conference in front of Samsung Electronics’ Seoul office. (Yonhap News)