[News Today] “Active support for Samsung labor talks”

[LEAD]

We begin with internal divisions within Samsung Electronics. Cheong Wa Dae says there's still time before the union's planned walkout, and that it will actively support continued labor-management dialogue. But with government mediation already having failed, attention is turning to possible internal divisions within the government over whether to invoke emergency arbitration powers.

For now, officials appear to be moving cautiously.

[REPORT]

The post-mediation negotiations between Samsung Electronics' labor and management collapsed.

Attention is focused on the possibility of the government invoking emergency arbitration powers.

This is an exceptional mediation procedure the labor minister can invoke when industrial action is deemed to threaten public livelihoods or seriously harm the national economy.

When invoked, unions must suspend industrial action for 30 days and enter compulsory arbitration.

Cheong Wa Dae emphasized efforts to maintain dialogue.

Kang Yu-jung / Cheong Wa Dae Spokesperson

Although post-mediation has ended, there is still time for labor and management to resolve issues through dialogue.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said the situation must be closely managed, given the possible serious impact on the economy.

He also urged active support to ensure continued labor-management dialogue so it does not lead to a strike under any circumstances.

The labor ministry, which can invoke emergency arbitration powers, is also prioritizing dialogue over government intervention.

Emergency arbitration powers have been invoked only four times so far and have been used in a limited manner.