Overview
- The union and Samsung will return to National Labor Relations Commission talks on Monday, May 18, after Samsung named Yeo Myung-koo to replace its previous lead negotiator.
- The union still plans an 18-day walkout from May 21 to June 7 and says participation could reach about 50,000 workers.
- The core fight is over bonuses, with the union seeking 15 percent of the chip division’s operating profit and no payout cap, while Samsung proposes keeping its incentive system with a pool based on 10 percent of operating profit or economic value added plus special rewards.
- Samsung began “warm-down” steps to stabilize chip lines and cut wafer input, and a Suwon court is weighing the company’s request to curb strike actions tied to safety, with a decision expected by Wednesday.
- Top executives and Chairman Lee issued public apologies as ministers warned a strike could force emergency arbitration, with industry estimates of up to 100 trillion won in losses and Friday’s share drop of about 9 percent raising pressure on both sides.