Samsung Electronics Union to Begin General Strike Friday as $72.5 Billion Loss Risk Looms

Post-mediation talks between Samsung Electronics and its union collapsed, raising concerns that a general strike involving about 50,000 workers set for May 21 could cause direct and indirect losses of **$72.5 billion**. The report said a strike could lead to **disruptions in semiconductor production**, **memory supply bottlenecks** and damage to the **global supply chain**, while also spreading **financial strain** to suppliers and neighborhood businesses. Samsung said it continues to oppose a strike, arguing that the union’s demands related to **performance bonuses** are excessive and could undermine the **basic principles of company management**.