Over 47,000 Samsung Electronics workers set to strike as wage talks break down, sending shares lower
TOPSHOT – Samsung Electronics labor union members chant “Change it to be transparent!” They hold banners that say: While holding a mass rally in front of the company’s foundry and semiconductor factory in Pyeongtaek on April 23, 2026, demanding the removal of caps on performance bonuses. (Photo: Jung Yeon-je / AFP via Getty Images)
Jung Yeon-je | Afp | Getty Images
The strike involving more than 47,000 Samsung Electronics employees will begin on Thursday after wage talks between the company and the union collapsed and the South Korean chip giant’s shares fell 3%.
The union accepted a mediation offer from South Korea’s National Labor Relations Commission but was rejected by Samsung Electronics, union spokesman Choi Seung-ho said on Wednesday.
Choi added that Samsung wanted more time for negotiations. However, Choi said that the company’s statement at 11 a.m. local time on Wednesday that “no decision had been taken” led to a stalemate.
“We deeply regret the termination of the post-mediation process due to the delay in the management’s decision-making process,” Choi said. he added.
A South Korean court had previously ruled that the strike should not interfere with safety protection facilities or impede work to prevent damage to the facilities and degradation of the sign.
The union’s demands revolved around Samsung’s performance-based bonus system. It is seeking performance bonuses equivalent to 15% of Samsung’s operating profits, the removal of bonus pay limits and a formalized bonus structure, among other measures.
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