A message from a company Director General publicly calling out employees' stock-related chatter in a company group chat is drawing attention online.
On the 19th, a post titled "Director General who posted advice in the company group chat" appeared on the online community FM Korea. The post included the contents of a message sent to employees by a person presumed to be a Director General.
The person wrote, "Let me be blunt and offer you advice—no, a warning," and added, "A company is a place you come to work, not a neighborhood kids' playground you drop by to have fun."
In particular, the person took issue with the recent increase in stock-related conversations inside the company. The person said, "Do not talk about stocks or engage in other small talk," and added, "Given our current results, everyone needs to get a grip." The person continued, "If I catch you going on about how Samjeon is this and Hanik is that, I will have you write a statement."
The post spread quickly through online communities and social media (SNS), drawing a range of responses.
Some users agreed, saying, "Given poor results, that reaction is understandable," and "From the Director General's standpoint, that's perfectly reasonable." Others said, "If you're checking stocks during work hours, productivity definitely drops."
On the other hand, there was criticism that it was excessive interference, with comments such as, "Isn't this just sensitivity from losses?" and "It's overreach to control even personal conversations."
Meanwhile, labor-management conflict around Samsung Electronics continues. The Samsung Electronics chapter of the Samsung Group cross-company labor union said on the 20th that, with the conclusion of the National Labor Relations Commission's post-mediation procedure, it will proceed with a general strike as scheduled starting on the 21st.
Choi Seung-ho, Chairperson of the cross-company union, said in a statement that day, "The union worked in good faith during the three days of post-mediation and did its utmost to find common ground," adding, "We will lawfully commence a general strike as scheduled."