SEOUL, April 29 (AJP) - A South Korean court said Monday it will decide by May 20 whether to grant an injunction filed by Samsung Electronics to block what the company describes as "illegal" industrial action by its labor unions.
The decision by the Suwon District Court is expected just one day before the unions’ scheduled general strike on May 21.
During a closed-door hearing, Samsung Electronics management argued that any work stoppage would cause "irreparable damage" to the semiconductor manufacturing process, emphasizing the need to maintain essential personnel to prevent the spoilage of silicon wafers.
The company further claimed that a production halt could damage high-cost equipment, noting that major global competitors have maintained operations despite labor disputes.
In response, legal representatives for the unions stated they have no intention of damaging facilities and that their planned activities are within legal bounds. The unions argued they are willing to cooperate on safety protocols but accused management of failing to specify the minimum personnel required for such tasks. Addressing concerns over earlier rhetoric regarding "criminal punishment," the unions clarified that such comments were intended to show their resolve to continue collective bargaining rather than an intent to engage in unlawful acts.
The legal tension follows a massive rally on Thursday, where approximately 40,000 union members gathered in Pyeongtaek to demand 15 percent of the company's operating profit as performance bonuses. The unions have signaled an 18-day general strike starting May 21, including a protest at the Pyeongtaek office. The court will hear the unions’ formal defense on May 13 before issuing its ruling in the following days.
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