As Samsung Electronics and the Central Labor Relations Commission proposed additional talks to avert a total strike, the union has effectively rejected the offer, signaling an escalation in tensions.
On May 14, Samsung Electronics sent a formal letter to the National Samsung Electronics Union and the Samsung Group's inter-company union, stating, "We propose additional discussions between labor and management." The company noted that while both sides had shared their views during recent mediation by the labor commission, they had not reached an agreement.
The labor commission also officially requested the resumption of mediation talks on May 16, marking a simultaneous call from both the government and the company for negotiations just a week before the planned strike.
However, the union insists that the establishment and transparency of a performance bonus system must be prioritized. Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the inter-company union, stated, "There is no reason to negotiate if the establishment and transparency of the performance bonus system are not achieved."
Choi added that there could be room for dialogue if there are plans for the establishment and transparency of a cap removal system. However, the company has shown reluctance to agree to the establishment of such a system, which is interpreted as a rejection of the proposal.
From May 11 to the early hours of May 13, the labor and management attempted mediation under the labor commission but ultimately failed to find common ground. The union demands that 15% of operating profit be allocated for performance bonuses and the removal of the 50% salary cap. In contrast, the company has proposed maintaining the existing performance bonus system based on economic value while adding special rewards for the DS division.
During the mediation process, the labor commission also suggested maintaining the current OPI system and implementing special management performance bonuses for the DS division, but the union rejected these proposals. The union plans to proceed with a total strike from May 21 to June 7, as previously announced.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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