During a meeting of the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, Minister Kim expressed caution about the situation, saying, "If we cannot even address the potential negative effects of a strike, what can our society achieve in the future?" He emphasized the urgency and concern surrounding the issue.
Regarding a recent court's temporary injunction decision, he remarked, "It seems inappropriate to discuss what is right or wrong at this moment." He also mentioned that he is in close discussions with the Minister of Employment and Labor on various matters related to the emergency mediation authority.
On the same day, the labor and management sides of Samsung Electronics were engaged in a second round of post-adjustment discussions at the Central Labor Relations Commission. Park Soo-geun, the chair of the Commission, indicated that a proposal for mediation is expected, stating, "It should come out, and while it’s not ready yet, there is a possibility this evening." He noted that there has been some narrowing of differences between the two sides and that negotiations on distribution rates by sector are ongoing.
The Commission plans to listen to both sides and find common ground for a mediation proposal. However, if the discussions extend for too long, they may continue into May 20. The first round of post-adjustment discussions, held on May 11-12, concluded in the early hours of May 13.
The government has indicated that it may invoke emergency mediation authority if the Samsung Electronics strike materializes. The union has announced that the strike is set to begin on May 21.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.