Min Gyeong-kwon, CEO of the Korea Shareholder Movement Headquarters, speaking on the 18th [Yonhap News]

A minority shareholder group of Samsung Electronics has pointed out that the labor union's demand for a "15% of operating profit performance bonus" may conflict with the principle of capital fidelity and dividend laws under the Commercial Act due to a rigid payout system mechanically linked to operating profit.

The "Korea Shareholder Movement Headquarters," a minority shareholder group, held a press conference in front of the Korea Securities Depository in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 18th, stating, "The source of worker compensation and its calculation method must be determined within a rational framework that does not harm the company's financial soundness and the interests of all shareholders." The group added, "We strongly object to a uniform payout and will pursue all necessary legal procedures."

The Samsung Electronics union is demanding the abolition of the current performance bonus cap of "50% of annual salary" and the formalization of a payment system that allocates 15% of operating profit as a performance bonus fund. The union has also announced a general strike on the 21st, with an expected participation of around 50,000 people, if their demands are not met.

The Shareholder Movement Headquarters emphasized that demanding the "15% performance bonus" be formalized in the collective agreement goes beyond a simple wage negotiation and is a fundamental issue directly related to shareholders' property rights.

The group further stated that their objection to a uniform payout is "not to antagonize either labor or management, but to protect the company's long-term value and the legitimate rights of all shareholders," adding, "We support fair compensation and improved treatment for employees."

The Shareholder Movement Headquarters plans to launch a campaign to recruit Samsung Electronics shareholders and a nationwide group of litigants through the shareholder action platform "ACT" to coincide with the general strike on the 21st.