Sejong: The labor ministry stated on Wednesday that it is "too early" to consider invoking emergency arbitration powers, following the collapse of wage negotiations at Samsung Electronics Co. earlier in the day. This announcement comes as the company's largest labor union is set to proceed with a planned strike on Thursday due to unsuccessful government-mediated discussions with management.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hong Kyung-ui, a spokesperson for the ministry, addressed reporters about the situation, emphasizing the possibility of continued dialogue between labor and management. Speculation has been rife that the government might issue an emergency arbitration order to prevent the strike from inflicting substantial damage on the national economy.
Hong remarked at the government complex in Sejong, "There is still time left for dialogue between labor and management." He further noted, "It is still too early to specifically speak of that," when questioned regarding the potential issuance of an emergency order.
South Korean law permits the labor minister to issue an emergency arbitration order if a dispute threatens to harm the national economy or severely disrupt citizens' daily lives. Such an order would halt industrial actions for 30 days while the National Labor Relations Commission engages in mediation and arbitration.
Hong reiterated the importance of dialogue, stating, "There is still time left until the strike, and the general principle is to resolve the issue through dialogue between the parties involved." He assured that the government would extend maximum support to achieve a resolution through free collective bargaining.
Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon has reportedly cleared his public schedule and remains on standby at the Sejong government complex to address the evolving situation.