A conflict erupted between the Samsung Electronics union and the LG Uplus union over President Lee Jae-myung's remark that "the excessive demands of some workers harm other workers." The LG Uplus union called it "a very cowardly act" in response to a message from the Samsung Electronics union chairperson suggesting that "(the president's remark) is directed at LG Uplus."
The Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union Democracy Uplus Branch said in a statement on the 1st, "Labeling another company union's legitimate demands as 'an unacceptable level' to dodge criticism aimed at themselves and throwing them as bait is a very cowardly act," adding it was "a blame game without fact-checking."
It continued, "Our demand to allocate '30% of operating profit as a performance bonus pool' is part of a consistent struggle that has continued for six years," adding, "Dismissing this as if it were a suddenly emerged 'excessive demand' aligned with the recent government mood is an act that seriously undermines the value of our organization's struggle."
The LG Uplus union also said, "As fellow labor unions, 'demonizing' each other's demands ultimately means walking straight into the labor-versus-labor conflict frame that capital and power want," adding, "We demand an official apology for the Samsung Electronics union's reckless words and actions this time."
The war of words between the Samsung Electronics union and the LG Uplus union began with the president's remark. In a senior secretaries' meeting the previous day, the president said, "If some organized workers make excessive and unfair demands just to save themselves and thus draw public condemnation, it will harm not only the union in question but also other workers."
Choi Seung-ho, chairperson of the Trans-Company Union Samsung Electronics Branch, wrote to members regarding the president's remark, "This is aimed at LG (Uplus). Because they're asking for 30%," adding, "It should be at an acceptable level like ours at 15%."