As a strike deadline approaches, Samsung Electronics and its labor union concluded the first day of mediation at the Central Labor Relations Commission without significant progress.
On May 18, Samsung Electronics and the joint labor struggle headquarters began their first day of mediation at the Central Labor Relations Commission in Sejong City at 10 a.m. The meeting wrapped up around 6:20 p.m., approximately 40 minutes earlier than the scheduled 7 p.m. end time.
After the negotiations, Choi Seung-ho, chairman of the Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group's labor union, told reporters, "The union is sincerely engaging in negotiations," adding that they would return for discussions at 10 a.m. the following day.
However, Choi refrained from commenting on the company's stance, the likelihood of reaching an agreement, or various issues surrounding the potential strike, including a court's injunction against labor actions.
Yeom Myung-gu, the chief negotiator for the company, also left without making any statements.
The negotiations were divided into morning and afternoon sessions. In the morning, both sides presented their positions and demands, while the afternoon focused on contentious issues.
The primary point of contention is the criteria for performance bonuses (OPI and excess profit bonuses). The union is demanding a shift from the current economic value-added (EVA) basis to operating profit for calculating bonuses, as well as an increase in the payment ceiling. In contrast, the company has expressed reluctance to make drastic changes to the existing system due to uncertainties in the business environment.
The Central Labor Relations Commission evaluated the day's negotiations positively. Park Soo-geun, a mediator from the Commission, indicated a willingness to reach an agreement when asked if a proposal would be made the next day, saying, "That should be the case."
Park Jeong-beom, the Commission's mediation director, noted, "Both sides engaged very actively in negotiations, and we heard sufficient opinions from both parties," adding that the meeting proceeded smoothly overall.
After the first day of negotiations yielded no significant outcomes, both sides will reconvene for the second day of mediation at 10 a.m. on May 19. The Commission plans to narrow the differences between the two sides by 7 p.m. that day.
However, given the substantial differences in positions, there is a possibility that the meeting could extend into the night or even continue until May 20.
The union has stated that if negotiations break down, they will proceed with the planned strike on May 21. Despite the government's warning of invoking emergency mediation powers to forcibly halt the strike, the union remains steadfast in its plans.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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