Samsung Electronics Announces General Strike; South Korean Prime Minister: Will Take All Feasible Measures to Respond
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Samsung Electronics union officially announced on May 17 that it will launch an 18-day general strike starting May 21, demanding higher wages and improved working conditions. This marks the largest strike in the company's history and is expected to impact production at Samsung Electronics as well as global supply chains.
In response, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Myung-sik delivered a statement at the central government office building in Seoul on the same day, saying that if the strike causes massive losses to the national economy, the government will take all feasible measures—including exercising emergency adjustment authority—to protect the national economy.
Kim expressed sincere hope for the resumption of negotiations between labor and management at Samsung Electronics on the 18th. He emphasized that this round of talks represents the final opportunity to prevent the strike, and both sides must not underestimate their heavy responsibility.
He warned that if the strike actually occurs, the damage would extend far beyond individual companies, severely affecting exports, financial markets, business operations and employment at numerous partner firms, as well as domestic investment—leading to economic losses that could be unimaginably large. He urged both labor and management to seek solutions that can avoid the strike.
It is reported that Samsung Electronics' labor and management representatives will begin the second round of post-strike mediation on the morning of the 18th. Given that labor has announced plans to initiate an 18-day general strike starting on the 21st, widespread attention is focused on whether this mediation can reach an agreement and resolve the conflict.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865486554633216/
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