Gov't strives to prevent Samsung Electronics unions' strike

The government is scrambling to avert a looming strike at Samsung Electronics, with top officials vowing full government support to keep negotiations alive after the latest round of talks collapsed. More than 42,000 workers are expected to walk out next week. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said Wednesday that the government would provide “whatever assistance” was necessary to prevent the planned 18-day strike, set to begin May 21. His remarks came after a government-arranged follow-up mediation session between Samsung Electronics and its unions ended earlier in the day without results, increasing the likelihood of the strike primarily involving employees from the company’s chipmaking division. “The dispute should not lead to a strike under any circumstances,” Kim said during a meeting with labor and industry ministers, according to the Prime Minister's Office. “The government will closely manage the situation, given the strike’s potential impact on the national economy, and help facilitate dialogue between the two sides.” Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times