Samsung Electronics labor and management to resume negotiations tomorrow

Odaily Planet Daily News: According to Yonhap News Agency, Samsung Electronics labor and management will start the second round of post-mediation at 10:00 AM local time on the 18th. Previously, the labor union had announced a total strike starting on the 21st that would last 18 days. Therefore, it is drawing attention whether the mediation can reach an agreement to resolve the conflict and avert the strike. Under the mediation of the Central Labor Relations Commission of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, labor and management held marathon negotiations from the 11th until the early hours of the 13th, but failed to narrow their differences on the criteria for performance bonuses, leading to a breakdown in talks. The commission requested the labor union to resume negotiations on the 16th, but this was rejected. Now, both labor and management have accepted the mediation request, and negotiations will restart after a five-day gap. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong returned to South Korea on the 16th after an overseas business trip. Upon arriving at Seoul Gimpo Business Aviation Center, he called on the labor union to return to the negotiating table. Lee stated, "At this moment, we should unite our strength and move forward together in the same direction. Let us do our utmost once again to truly be proud of being 'Samsung people.'" Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo also met separately with labor and management representatives on the 15th and 16th to outline the government's stance and coordinate opinions. (Jin Shi)