Samsung Electronics Strike Looms as Minister Kim Cites Emergency Mediation

Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said on May 14 that Samsung Electronics labor and management should resume dialogue, adding that “if a strike occurs, emergency mediation would be unavoidable.” His remarks came one week before the Samsung Electronics union’s planned general strike and marked the first time a minister-level government official mentioned the possible use of emergency mediation powers that could halt a strike. Kim wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that the strike could cause up to 100 trillion won in damage and that a strike must be prevented under any circumstances. Under Korea’s Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act, emergency mediation can be invoked by the labor minister when industrial action risks seriously harming the national economy or endangering daily life. Samsung Electronics has begun adjusting semiconductor output amid concerns the strike could materialize. The National Labor Relations Commission recommended a second post-mediation session on May 16, but the union said there was no reason to talk unless management changed its position. Source: rss.donga.com