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Park Soo-keun, Chairman of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), enters the second day of the second post-mediation meeting for Samsung Electronics at the NLRC in the Government Complex Sejong on May 19. / Joint Press Pool

Samsung Electronics' management and labor are continuing last-minute negotiations at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) just two days ahead of a scheduled general strike. Assessing that the gap between the two sides has narrowed to some extent, the NLRC is considering presenting a mediation proposal this evening.

According to labor sources on May 19, the management and labor of Samsung Electronics held their second day of meetings for the second post-mediation process at the NLRC in the Government Complex Sejong. The meeting commenced at 10 a.m. and was originally scheduled to conclude at 7 p.m., but it could run late or extend into May 20 depending on the progress of the discussions.

Meeting with reporters during the lunch break, NLRC Chairman Park Soo-keun commented on whether a mediation proposal would be presented, stating, "We should put one forward," and added, "Not yet, but there is a possibility this evening." When asked if the differences between the two sides had narrowed, he replied, "A little."

Before the meeting began, Chairman Park also noted, "We will see whether both parties can ultimately reach a settlement, and if not, we will issue a mediation proposal. Since a breakthrough is still possible, we will observe that before taking action." Regarding whether a draft proposal had been prepared, he explained, "It has not been drawn up yet."

The core bone of contention is the performance bonus system. During the previous day's meeting, the NLRC reportedly gathered the positions of both sides regarding the funding criteria and caps for bonuses and suggested alternatives. Negotiations over the distribution rates for each business division are continuing in today's session.

Choi Seung-ho, head of the Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group Omnibus Labor Union and a bargaining representative for the labor side, briefly stated, "I have nothing to share at the moment," but added, "We will work to secure an agreement that satisfies our members to the greatest extent possible." When asked if the union is holding firm on codifying the performance bonus system, he responded, "Yes."

If the NLRC presents a mediation proposal and both management and labor accept and sign it, the proposal will carry the same legal weight as a collective bargaining agreement. Conversely, if either side rejects it, the negotiations will break down, making it highly likely that the union will proceed with the general strike announced for May 21.

The management and labor of Samsung Electronics engaged in a lengthy post-mediation session the previous day but failed to reach an agreement. The first round of post-mediation, held from May 11 to 12, also extended past midnight into the early hours of May 13 without reaching a conclusion.

Expressing concern over the potential impact of a Samsung Electronics strike on the national economy, the government has previously raised the possibility of invoking its emergency mediation authority. This has met with strong backlash from labor circles, including the Samsung Electronics union. If the two sides reach an agreement today, the general strike scheduled for May 21 will likely be averted.