Samsung Electronics Files Injunction Against Union Strike: Aims to Prevent Illegal Acts Such as Dismissal Threats

Samsung Electronics has taken legal action in response to an illegal strike planned by the labor union next month. The company aims to proactively prevent significant management losses caused by unlawful industrial action and mitigate negative effects on the national economy.

According to industry sources on April 16, Samsung Electronics filed an injunction with the Suwon District Court on this day, requesting a ban on the labor union's illegal strike. This move comes after the union rejected the company's proposal-which included one of the industry’s highest incentive packages aimed at reaching a wage agreement-and instead announced plans for a hardline illegal strike.

The company proposed allocating more than 10% of its operating profit as incentives if it secures the top position domestically, and guaranteed the Memory Division performance bonuses exceeding those of competitors. However, the union demanded that 15% of operating profit be used as the incentive pool and declared plans to hold a large-scale rally on April 23, followed by a full-scale strike starting May 21.

In particular, the company views the union's planned actions as illegal industrial action, citing: ▲ obstruction of normal operation of safety protection facilities, ▲ suspension of work to prevent equipment damage and raw material or product spoilage, ▲ occupation of key facilities such as production lines and other workplace premises, and ▲ coercing participation in the strike through threats. Choi Seungho, head of the cross-company labor union, previously stated on March 5 that they planned to expand occupation to all workplaces, and that if an 18-day strike is successful, it would take more than a month to recover, resulting in nearly 30 trillion won in losses. On the same day, he also pressured union members by saying, "If there is anyone working for the company, we will maintain a list and, in case of forced transfers or dismissals, they will be notified first."

The business community is expressing concerns that, if the illegal acts announced by the union come to pass, the consequences could go beyond simple production disruptions and result in major safety incidents and loss of life. An industry official commented, "Even though Samsung Electronics’ proposal is already at the highest level in the industry, the union's rejection and its announcement of extreme action using illegal means is unconvincing." The official added, "What the union needs now is not unreasonable demands backed by legally dubious strikes, but a willingness to resolve issues through dialogue."

Yonhap News Agency

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