This marks the first time Lee has publicly addressed the upcoming strike at Samsung Electronics. He reportedly altered his travel schedule to return for this apology.
Lee addressed the labor union, which has announced plans for a total strike, stating, "To the union members and the Samsung family, we are one body, one family. Now is the time to wisely unite and move forward together."
He added, "I will take the blame for the storm ahead and do my best to ensure that everyone can be proud to be a part of Samsung."
Lee also expressed gratitude to the government and stakeholders working to resolve the issues, reiterating his apologies to customers and the public.
The Samsung Electronics labor union's joint action committee plans to hold a total strike from May 21 to June 7, lasting 18 days. More than 46,000 union members have expressed their intention to participate, with the union claiming that up to 50,000 members could join the strike.
The day before, the Samsung Electronics executive team stated, "We are in an era of infinite competition where the global business environment is changing rapidly. We cannot afford to waste time on internal issues," and requested the union to resume dialogue.
However, the union insists that the company must first address key demands, including the replacement of the company’s chief negotiator and the institutionalization of performance bonuses. Industry experts predict that a full-scale strike could result in losses of up to 100 trillion won.
The government is closely monitoring the potential for a total strike and is stepping in to mediate. According to industry sources, Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon is scheduled to meet with Samsung Electronics management to discuss the labor dispute. Previously, he met with the union to hear their demands.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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