Samsung Electronics urges union talks as 18-day strike threat looms

Samsung Electronics urged its South Korean labor union to resume pay negotiations after government-mediated talks collapsed, Reuters reported May 14, 2026, citing a union leader. South Korea’s Labour Commission called for another mediated session on May 16, 2026, as officials seek to avert an 18-day strike planned to begin May 21, 2026. Union representative Choi Seung-ho said there was “no reason to continue the dialogue without institutionalisation and transparency,” referring to demands for changes to Samsung’s bonus system. The union has criticized what it says is a wide bonus-pay gap with rival SK Hynix. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said a strike must be avoided, warning it would pose a significant risk to South Korea’s economic growth, exports and markets. Semiconductors accounted for 37% of South Korea’s exports in April 2026, up from 20% a year earlier, according to government data. Samsung was not immediately available for comment.