Samsung Union Holds 21 May Strike Date as Mediation Opens in Sejong
May 18, 2026 – 7:29 am
Talks resumed in Sejong on Monday, with Choi Seung-ho stating his intention to participate "in good faith." The head of Samsung Electronics’ largest union had previously planned to meet the company on June 7, following an 18-day strike ended by his members. Three weeks later and three days after that scheduled meeting, the negotiation timeline has shifted.
Between these two appearances, notable public developments occurred:
- Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong offered a formal apology on Saturday, expressing regret for the "worry and anxiety" caused by the dispute.
- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung posted on X that labor rights should be respected alongside corporate management rights in South Korea’s democratic economy.
- Samsung presented a new proposal, differing from its previous stance.
The focus remains on the bonus formula, specifically whether AI memory profits translate into workforce share within employment contracts or remain at the chairman’s discretion.
Government-mediated negotiations, now in their third round over two weeks, revolve around this core issue. Samsung’s latest offer includes a one-time payment plus either 10% of chip division operating profit or an "economic value added" figure, with an additional "special compensation." While the Korea Herald described this as a significant shift from Samsung’s previous position, the union interpreted it differently.
The union seeks a 15% bonus, removal of the existing cap on performance bonuses, and written commitment to honor the formula in future years, emphasizing "institutionalisation and transparency" as stated previously.