Samsung Electronics and its labor union resumed post-mediation negotiations on May 12. This follows an 11-hour session on May 11 that concluded without an agreement. Both parties aim to avert a general strike scheduled for May 21.
The union demands 15% of operating profit for the performance-based bonus pool. Experts warn that formalizing this structure could reclassify bonuses as ordinary wages. This change would increase the basis for calculating severance pay and various allowances.
The shift could cost Samsung hundreds of billions of won annually. A strike threatens substantial production disruptions. Such an outcome would negatively impact the global semiconductor supply chain.