Samsung Electronics Union Holds Firm on Strike as Bonus Talks Stall

Samsung Electronics and its union attempted to coordinate last-minute talks ahead of a planned general strike on June 21, but again confirmed sharp differences over institutionalizing the bonus system. According to business circles on the 15th, Samsung Electronics sent an official letter to the Samsung branch of the supra-enterprise labor union, reaffirming its previously proposed flexible bonus reform plan and requesting unconditional dialogue. The company said it wanted to meet again in response to the hopes of employees, shareholders and the public for a settlement. However, it maintained its position on union demands for greater transparency in the excess profit incentive (OPI) system and removal of the cap at 50% of annual salary. With the union not backing down from its strike plan, the possibility of an unprecedented semiconductor line strike is becoming more visible. Source: rss.donga.com