Samsung strike risk looms as 47,000 workers could walk out over bonuses

South Korea’s president urged a balance between labor and management as an 18-day Samsung Electronics strike threatens about 47,000 workers. The union demands a bonuses system worth 15% of operating profit, removal of payout caps, and a formal structure; Samsung has offered 10% of operating profit for bonuses plus a one-time payment. The government warned of possible emergency measures if the strike harms the economy, with direct losses estimated up to 1 trillion won and up to 100 trillion won if chip production is disrupted, highlighting Samsung’s outsized role in exports and GDP. Final talks were framed as the last chance to avert a walkout.