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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Labor Minister Urges Samsung Electronics to Engage in Sincere Dialogue Over Bonus Dispute

From Hankyoreh · (5m ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • South Korea's Minister of Employment and Labor, Kim Young-ju, urged Samsung Electronics' labor and management to engage in sincere dialogue to resolve the performance bonus dispute.
  • The minister pledged government support to facilitate constructive negotiations between the company and its labor union, which has threatened a strike.
  • Kim emphasized that while respecting workers' contributions, labor disputes should be resolved autonomously within the legal framework of collective bargaining, acknowledging the roles of partners, government support, and local communities in the company's success.

South Korean Minister of Employment and Labor, Kim Young-ju, has directly addressed the escalating performance bonus dispute at Samsung Electronics, calling for 'sincere dialogue' between the company's management and its labor union. The minister's intervention highlights the national significance of this labor conflict, particularly given Samsung's status as a flagship company and its recent record-breaking profits.

I hope that labor and management will quickly achieve sincere dialogue.

— Kim Young-juSouth Korean Minister of Employment and Labor urging Samsung Electronics' management and union to resolve their dispute.

Minister Kim's statement underscores a delicate balance: acknowledging the vital contributions of Samsung's workforce to its remarkable success while firmly advocating for the principle of 'labor-management autonomy.' He stressed that while the government respects the workers' rights and contributions, the resolution of such disputes should primarily occur within the established framework of collective bargaining, as stipulated by labor laws. This reflects a long-standing Korean labor policy that encourages self-resolution while offering government support for facilitation.

The government will spare no effort to promote substantive negotiations.

— Kim Young-juMinister Kim Young-ju pledging government support to facilitate dialogue between Samsung Electronics and its labor union.

Furthermore, the minister pointedly noted that Samsung's achievements are not solely the product of its labor and management. He highlighted the indispensable roles played by numerous partner companies, government support, continuous investment in research and development, and even the cooperation of local communities, particularly in securing the vast amounts of electricity required for the semiconductor industry. This broader perspective serves to contextualize the performance bonus demands, suggesting that the fruits of success should be shared equitably, recognizing all stakeholders involved. The government's commitment to 'all efforts' to promote substantive negotiations signals its intent to actively mediate if necessary, aiming to prevent a disruptive strike and ensure continued industrial harmony.

We highly value the dedication of the workers that has led to Samsung Electronics' brilliant achievements, and we respect their legitimate rights.

— Kim Young-juMinister Kim Young-ju acknowledging the contributions of Samsung employees.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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