Chair Kim Jihyung of the ESLC: "Samsung Labor and Management Should Consider Mediation or Arbitration Instead of a Strike"

"Impact on the National Economy Must Be Considered"

Kim Jihyung, Chair of the Economic, Social, and Labor Council (ESLC) and former Supreme Court Justice, who is regarded as an authority on labor law, has officially called on the Samsung Electronics labor union, which has announced a general strike this month, to exercise restraint and resolve the issue through mediation and arbitration.

Kim Jihyung, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council (ESLC), spoke on June 6 on the YouTube channel 'Sampo TV'. Screenshot from YouTube 'Sampo TV'

On May 6, appearing on the YouTube channel 'Samhpro TV,' Chair Kim stated, "The dispute over performance bonuses should be resolved based on the principle of labor-management autonomy within the framework of the law," and added, "Since Samsung is a national company and a leader in the economy, I am aware that this issue is viewed as more than just a matter for one individual company." This comment is interpreted to mean that the labor dispute at Samsung Electronics should be handled with a sense of responsibility, considering its potential impact on the broader national economy, rather than as a problem confined to a single company.

In particular, Chair Kim expressed concern over the union's collective action, including the planned general strike, and recommended practical solutions. He emphasized, "If there are many complicated issues that make it difficult for labor and management to reach a conclusion through negotiation, I urge both sides to seriously consider mediation or arbitration—an objective process—rather than resorting to a costly strike."

Industry insiders believe that the head of the nation’s top labor authority, who is also a former Supreme Court Justice, presenting concrete alternatives and publicly expressing his position on a specific company’s labor-management issue is likely to have a significant impact on the course of future negotiations.

This is not the first time Chair Kim has commented directly on the Samsung Electronics case. In a recent media interview, he revealed that in early March, a delegation from the Samsung Electronics labor union visited the ESLC to share their views.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.