President Lee Warns Excessive Union Demands Could Harm Workers And Labour Stability

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday warned that excessive demands by labour unions could ultimately harm not only companies but also fellow workers, urging unions to adopt a more responsible and balanced approach in labour negotiations. His remarks came amid rising tensions over industrial action at major companies, including a planned strike at Samsung Electronics.

Speaking during a meeting with senior aides at the presidential office in Cheong Wa Dae, Lee stressed that while companies must treat workers as key partners in management, labour unions also carry a responsibility toward broader economic stability and social harmony. He said labour disputes driven by what he described as excessive or self-serving demands could trigger public backlash and negatively affect the reputation and interests of unions themselves.

The president’s comments came as Samsung Electronics’ labour union threatened an 18-day general strike starting May 21, demanding higher bonuses linked to the company’s record profits. The potential strike has raised concerns among analysts, who warn it could lead to significant financial losses for the tech giant at a time when global semiconductor demand is closely tied to artificial intelligence growth.

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Lee highlighted that Samsung had recently reported a sharp surge in first-quarter net profit, driven by strong demand for high-end memory chips used in AI systems. He said this period of rapid technological transition in the global economy requires cooperation between labour and industry rather than confrontation, as structural changes are reshaping employment conditions and industrial competitiveness.

Calling for “coexistence and solidarity,” Lee urged both employers and workers to work together to address challenges arising from the evolving labour market. He said that building a fair and sustainable system requires responsibility from all stakeholders, including unions, to ensure that economic gains do not come at the cost of broader social stability.

The President also referred to Labour Day, observed as a statutory holiday for the first time this year, saying it should serve as an opportunity to address inequalities in the labour market and improve workplace safety standards. Additionally, he warned officials about rising producer prices, noting that increases in agricultural, livestock, and logistics costs could soon translate into higher consumer prices, and called for urgent measures to stabilise inflation pressures.

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