Samsung Electronics Union Leader's Extreme Remarks Raise Concerns

A Samsung Electronics union leader has sparked controversy with extreme remarks made just before the final negotiation table, stating, "It would be better to eliminate the company altogether. We are prepared for a split." Concerns have arisen among union members who are set to join the strike, expressing that the comments have crossed a line.
 
According to industry sources on May 18, Lee Song-yi, vice-chair of the Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group's mega union, made the remarks around 8 p.m. the previous day in a Telegram communication channel for union members. He stated, "If we are going to split, then let’s do it. It’s better to just eliminate Samsung Electronics altogether," adding, "We take responsibility for bringing it this far."
 
He further emphasized, "I convey this with the readiness for a split," and warned, "If we are defeated this time, Samsung Electronics will no longer exist." In conversations with union members, he expressed heightened emotions, saying, "If I go to jail, I’ll read some books and exercise while I’m there." The transcripts of these conversations have spread to external communities, escalating the controversy.
 
Notably, as the vice-chair of the DX (Device Experience) division, he has actively voiced dissatisfaction over the perceived neglect of this sector during the ongoing labor-management negotiations. He reportedly made unrefined comments such as, "This is like family talk," and "I’m not doing this for the money."
 
The timing of these remarks, just before the final negotiations with management, has intensified the fallout. The comments from a key union leader have circulated widely, increasing tension surrounding the negotiations. Following the disclosure of Lee's statements, internal union members criticized the leadership's reckless behavior, asking, "Has he been drinking?" and urging, "Someone needs to calm the vice-chair down," while also cautioning against making statements that could be used against them in negotiations.
 
Labor and management are set to engage in what is essentially the final negotiation regarding performance bonuses, payment criteria, institutionalization, and the elimination of caps ahead of a general strike scheduled for May 21. Management has reportedly proposed maintaining the cap on the excess profit incentive (OPI) at 50% of annual salary while allowing a choice between 20% economic value added (EVA) or 10% operating profit.
 
Additionally, if the operating profit in the semiconductor (DS) division exceeds 200 trillion won, they suggested allocating 9-10% of the operating profit separately from the OPI, distributing it 60% across all divisions and 40% by business unit.
 
In contrast, the union continues to demand a blanket performance bonus of 15% of operating profit, as previously stated, and insists on a distribution of 70% for the entire DS division and 30% by business unit.
 
Choi Seung-ho, chair of the mega union, revealed that he held a preliminary meeting with management for post-adjustment discussions the previous afternoon, stating, "It seems the company’s attitude has changed following the government’s mention of urgent mediation." He added, "They are pressuring us that the damage will be significant, but we will not yield," asserting that if the same stance is maintained during post-adjustment discussions, they will not reach an agreement.