On May 14, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-gwan warned that emergency mediation would be unavoidable if a strike breaks out at Samsung Electronics, even referencing the possible invocation of the government’s emergency mediation authority.
That afternoon, Kim posted on X (formerly Twitter), urging both Samsung and its union to reach a compromise. “As minister, I believe emergency mediation would be unavoidable if a strike occurs,” he wrote.
Kim said the Central Labor Relations Commission had asked the parties to resume talks; management accepted the request, but the union said it saw no reason to continue unless management changed its position. He expressed regret and concern, noting the union has warned it will launch a general strike beginning May 21 if no agreement is reached.
Kim emphasized that Samsung’s importance to the economy cannot be overstated and said a strike must be prevented at all costs. He urged management to offer fair compensation and called on the union to pursue a reasonable distribution that does not undermine the company’s future or sustainability.
With the union’s announced general strike a week away, the Central Labor Relations Commission has recommended the two sides meet again on May 16. The government can invoke emergency mediation if it determines labor action would significantly harm the national economy. If invoked, both sides must suspend all labor actions for 30 days and submit to mediation by the commission.
