Samsung's Super Union to Resume Negotiations Monday at National Labor Relations Commission

Samsung Electronics' labor and management will meet again, approximately two weeks after negotiations broke down over performance bonus payments. Mediated by the government, the talks are set to resume on the 18th at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). Samsung Electronics' largest union, the Super Union, had declared negotiations failed on the 13th. The union had presented the replacement of the company's chief negotiator as a prerequisite for resuming talks to Labor Minister Lee Young-hoon. With the government's mediation fulfilling this condition, dialogue has become possible again. Minister Lee met with Samsung Electronics executives, conveying the results of his meeting with union representatives and the government's stance. The company replaced Kim Hyung-ro, Vice President, with Yeo Myung-gu, Head of the DS Division People Team, as the new chief negotiator. Team Leader Yeo and Chairman Choi Seung-ho held a preliminary meeting on the 16th at the Pyeongtaek union office.

The union is demanding the institutionalization of performance bonuses equivalent to 15% of operating profit, without a cap. The union states its intention to launch an 18-day total strike starting the 21st if its demands are not met.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, upon returning from an overseas business trip, conveyed a message to the union, stating, "We are one body, one family. Now is the time to wisely pool our strengths and move in one direction." He added, "I will bear the harsh storms and take all the blame," urging, "Let's do our best to make us proud to be Samsung people once again." Chairman Lee also apologized to the public for causing concern due to internal company issues and expressed gratitude for their support and encouragement for Samsung.