Media Union Accuses South Korean Press of Pushing for 'Emergency Arbitration' in Samsung Dispute

The Korean Media Workers' Union has accused major South Korean media outlets of fueling the government's consideration of 'emergency arbitration' during the recent labor dispute at Samsung Electronics. The union argues that this narrative effectively pressured the company and its workers, potentially undermining labor rights.

“

A vicious cycle where the media urges the government to invoke emergency arbitration, the government considers it, and then the media amplifies it to pressure the union.

Analysis by the union's Committee for Democratic Media Practice revealed a pattern of reporting that, starting in early May, urged the government to consider emergency arbitration. Articles in newspapers like JoongAng Ilbo, MBC, Munhwa Ilbo, and Hankook Ilbo are cited for framing the potential strike as a crisis requiring government intervention. This intensified after May 13, with headlines directly mentioning emergency arbitration, suggesting it as a solution and reflecting the business community's desire for its activation.

Emergency arbitration, a measure rarely used since its introduction in 1963 and last invoked in 2005, allows the government to unilaterally ban labor strikes. Critics, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), have pointed to its ambiguous application and the risk of arbitrary interpretation. The Media Workers' Union argues that applying it to Samsung Electronics, a key player in the semiconductor industry, could set a precedent for intervening in strikes at numerous other large corporations, effectively paralyzing labor rights across various sectors.

“

There was little reporting that examined whether emergency arbitration could be applied to the Samsung Electronics case.

The union also criticized media coverage that prioritized shareholder interests over worker concerns. Reports highlighting shareholder demands for legal action against strikes or questioning the linkage of performance-based pay to profits were common. The union countered that workers, who are directly impacted by a company's success or failure, deserve a share of profits, especially during periods of high earnings, unlike shareholders who can simply sell their stock. They argue that the focus should be on discussing the distribution of excess profits from the semiconductor boom, rather than suppressing labor unions.

“

Why can't workers receive a share of profits even when the company is doing well?