The nationwide Samsung Electronics union (Jeonsamno), the second union at Samsung Electronics, voiced concern over President Lee Jae-myung's remark about "some organized workers." The point is that it is necessary to be cautious about labeling workers' demands as excessive without sufficient explanation.
On the 1st, Jeonsamno said in a statement, "Workers' demands arise from their respective working conditions and realities and should be judged within the scope of rights guaranteed by the Constitution," adding, "Caution is needed in generalizing them as 'excessive demands' without sufficient explanation."
Earlier, on the 30th, the president said at a meeting with senior secretaries and aides, "If some organized workers make excessive or unjust demands to save only themselves and end up drawing public condemnation, it harms not only the union in question but also other workers."
That day, the president did not target any specific corporations or workers, but as the remark coincided with controversy over the recent Samsung Electronics union strike, some interpreted it as effectively aimed at the Samsung Electronics union.
In response, Jeonsamno said, "Labor unions are also grappling with the idea of mutual growth," adding, "We cannot help but question whether it is valid to categorically label some organized workers as displaying a 'save-only-themselves attitude.' A definitive assessment without sufficient understanding can escalate conflict."
The union also stressed that the president's message should consider its impact on labor issues overall. Jeonsamno added, "We hope the president will offer more concrete and balanced messages on labor issues. If there is something to say to specific workers, communicate it clearly rather than obliquely," and continued, "As a responsible actor of the state that must mediate conflicts, we expect a more proactive role in mediation."