Samsung Executives Call for Unconditional Dialogue Amid Strike Threat

Samsung Electronics executives, including Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun and President Roh Tae-moon, have reiterated their call for 'unconditional dialogue' with the union amid indications that the union may proceed with a general strike.

In an official statement titled 'We Apologize to the Public,' the executives acknowledged, "We have caused significant burden and concern to the public and the government due to labor-management issues at Samsung Electronics," adding, "As our achievements grow, the expectations from society for Samsung have become stricter and greater, which we have failed to adequately address."

The executives expressed a deep sense of responsibility for the current situation, stating, "We feel a heavy responsibility for how things have come to this point. We sincerely apologize."

They urged the union to resume dialogue, emphasizing, "We consider the union as part of our family and a community of shared destiny, and we will approach discussions with an open mind. We again request the union to engage in dialogue promptly, keeping in mind the concerns of the public and the national economy."

Additionally, Samsung highlighted its commitment to resolving internal issues amicably and strengthening its core competitiveness. The executives noted, "We are in an era of infinite competition where the global business environment is rapidly changing, and we cannot afford to waste time on internal problems. It is time for labor and management to unite and secure business competitiveness through continuous technological innovation and bold investments for the future."

They further stressed the importance of maintaining operations in the semiconductor industry, stating, "Unlike other industries, semiconductors require continuous 24-hour operations, and strikes should not occur. Failing to meet our commitments to customers would result in a complete loss of trust."

The executives pledged to collaborate on addressing the current economic situation and the long-term future of South Korea, promising, "We will become a steadfast pillar of the national economy through sound management, continuous technological innovation, and bold future investments."

The statement was signed by all members of the executive team, including Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun, President Roh Tae-moon, and other executives such as Kim Soo-mok, Kim Yong-kwan, Kim Woo-jun, Kim Won-kyung, Nam Seok-woo, Mauro Porcini, Park Seung-hee, Park Yong-in, Park Hong-geun, Baek Soo-hyun, Song Jae-hyuk, Yong Seok-woo, Yoon Jang-hyun, Lee Won-jin, Choi Won-jun, and Han Jin-man.