Government: "Dialogue Possible Until Samsung Electronics General Strike... Emergency Mediation Not Yet Considered"

On May 20, negotiations over performance bonuses between management and labor at Samsung Electronics ultimately broke down, leading the union to proceed as planned with the general strike announced for the 21st. However, the government stated that there is still a possibility for additional dialogue between labor and management and affirmed its commitment to supporting autonomous bargaining until the very end.

Hong Kyungui, spokesperson for the Ministry of Employment and Labor, stated at an emergency briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong, "We deeply regret the outcome of the second round of post-mediation by the Central Labor Relations Commission today," but added, "As both parties have noted, time still remains."

Yonhap News

Spokesperson Hong said, "Under the fundamental principle of resolving issues through dialogue between the parties, the government will provide maximum support, regardless of form, to ensure that labor and management can reach a solution through autonomous negotiations until the last moment."

The government drew a clear line regarding the possibility of invoking the emergency mediation authority, which has been mentioned in some quarters. Hong stated, "The emergency mediation authority is not currently under consideration," and added, "There is still time for labor and management to meet again before the strike begins."

He further explained, "If either party applies, post-mediation can be resumed, and dialogue can continue regardless of form." When asked if additional post-mediation would be possible after the strike begins, he replied, "It is possible."

However, the government avoided making specific comments about response scenarios or the scale of potential damages in the event the general strike goes ahead. The ministry also refrained from giving direct answers regarding the possibility of the minister’s direct intervention or the legal review of invoking the emergency mediation authority, stating, "It is difficult to speak in detail."

Yonhap News Agency

Previously, Samsung Electronics management and labor held the second day of the second round of post-mediation talks starting at 10 a.m. the previous day at the Government Complex Sejong. Negotiations continued past midnight into the morning of the 20th, but ended without narrowing the gap on key issues.

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