Samsung Facing Major Strike Threat as Massive Bonus Dispute Escalates

■ Samsung and Labor Hold Two-Day Final Talks; “Being Strong Doesn’t Mean You Get More” — Government Signals Emergency Mediation if Samsung Union Strikes; Court Partially Grants Injunction Requiring “Wafer Staff Kept at Normal Levels”President Lee Jae-myung said on the 18th, “Labor must be respected as much as companies, and corporate management rights must be respected as much as labor rights.” The remark was widely interpreted as directed at the Samsung Electronics union, which has threatened a general strike on the 21st.The union is demanding the removal of the current cap on performance bonuses—now roughly 50% of annual pay—and the institutionalization of a mechanism that would allocate 15% of operating profit to the performance-bonus pool.On X (formerly Twitter), Lee invoked the proverb 過猶不及 物極必反, noting that “excess is as bad as deficiency, and extremes often reverse.” He added, “Workers should receive fair compensation for their labor, and shareholders who invest and assume risk deserve a share of corporate profits.” His comments framed excessive demands beyond fair compensation as inappropriate.Lee also warned that, although the constitution guarantees basic rights, those rights may be restricted for public welfare so long as their essential content is not infringed—a statement that signals the possible use of emergency mediation if labor and management fail to reach an agreement. “Strength doesn’t mean having more and being happier,” he said. “The future of a new Korea lies in solidarity, shared responsibility, and prosperity for all.”Meanwhile, the Suwon District Court partially granted Samsung Electronics’ request for a preliminary injunction to prohibit unlawful labor actions. The court ordered that functions related to safety, security, and preventing wafer contamination be maintained at normal staffing levels. If the union violates the order, the union faces KRW 100,000,000 (about $75,000) per day in fines, and executives—including Choi Seung-ho, chair of the Samsung pan-company union—would each be liable for KRW 10,000,000 (about $7,500) per day.Observers said the ruling adds a new variable to negotiations but does not categorically block a strike. The union maintained that the court decision “does not pose a major problem” for its planned action. Amid mounting concerns, six major economic organizations urged the union to withdraw the strike and called on the government to respond decisively.On the same day, Samsung and the union entered a second round of post-mediation at the Central Labor Relations Commission. Given the talks’ significance, Commission Chair Park Soo-geun personally participated as a mediator. Choi pledged to “work in good faith toward a settlement” and left the door open to further talks. The commission scheduled an additional post-mediation session for 10 a.m. on the 19th, keeping the possibility of a deal alive.