Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and its labor union held a 12-hour marathon negotiation on the first day of post-mediation talks but failed to reach an agreement. The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) plans to present a final mediation proposal Friday in an effort to narrow the gap between the two sides.
According to labor and industry sources Thursday, the post-mediation meeting between Samsung Electronics' management and union began at 10 a.m. at the Government Complex in Sejong and ended around 9:30 p.m. It marked the resumption of dialogue a month and a half after negotiations broke down late last month. The two sides are said to have engaged in an intense standoff until the final moments over key issues, including criteria for calculating performance bonuses and ceiling amounts.
Based on the discussions held that day, the NLRC plans to unveil a mediation proposal on Friday. Hwang Ki-don, a public interest member of the NLRC, said, "We have conveyed to labor and management the points that we believe should be adjusted to reach an agreement," adding, "We are in the stage of preparing to present the mediation proposal tomorrow (Friday)."
The proposal is expected to comprehensively address the points of contention between labor and management, including the performance bonus ratio and the period of application. The government, concerned about the ripple effects of a conflict between a major conglomerate's labor and management on the broader industry, is urging a swift resolution. Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, said, "We must consider not only labor and management but also various stakeholders, including subcontractors." The remarks are interpreted as an indirect form of pressure.
The NLRC has indicated that it could extend the mediation period, currently scheduled to conclude on Friday, if necessary to reach an agreement.
