Samsung chip strike risk grows as union holds firm before possible talks

As the possibility of an unprecedented strike in Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor division, with expected losses of up to 100 trillion won, became visible, Vice Chairman Jun Young-hyun and Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon visited the union office on May 15. Four senior executives, including Jun and presidents Kim Yong-kwan, Han Jin-man and Park Yong-in, met for about 40 minutes at the Samsung branch office of the supra-enterprise union at the Pyeongtaek campus. Management requested unconditional talks before a strike, but the union maintained that it would talk only if Samsung accepts abolishing the performance bonus cap and institutionalizing a bonus tied to a set share of operating profit. Kim plans to meet Samsung presidents on May 16 for direct mediation. If no agreement is found, possible government emergency adjustment powers for the first time in 21 years are also being cited as a variable. Source: rss.donga.com