The Suwon District Court partially granted an injunction on Monday to prohibit illegal strike actions by the Samsung Electronics labor union [1].
This ruling limits the union's ability to halt production at critical semiconductor sites, potentially preventing significant disruptions to the global chip supply chain. Because semiconductor manufacturing requires constant environmental controls, any sudden stop in operation can cause irreparable damage to equipment and wafers.
Samsung Electronics sought the injunction to prevent what the company described as illegal strike actions [1]. The company said that such actions could damage sensitive equipment and halt production at its Pyeongtaek semiconductor campus [2].
The court ruled that even during collective action, the union must maintain staffing levels and operating hours consistent with normal business operations [3]. This mandate specifically includes the continuation of critical wafer-protection work to ensure the facility remains stable [3].
The decision arrived on May 18, 2026 [1], just three days before the union's planned full-scale strike on May 21, 2026 [2].
Despite the court's order, the labor union has indicated that it does not intend to cancel its plans. A union representative said, "The strike will proceed as scheduled" [4].
The dispute centers on the balance between the workers' right to collective bargaining and the technical requirements of high-precision manufacturing. The court's partial granting of the injunction suggests a legal effort to allow labor protests while mitigating the risk of catastrophic industrial failure [3].
“The court ruled that even during collective action, the union must maintain staffing levels and operating hours consistent with normal business operations.”
This ruling creates a legal middle ground that prevents a total shutdown of Samsung's semiconductor production while still permitting the union to engage in a strike. By mandating the maintenance of 'critical wafer-protection work,' the court is prioritizing the physical integrity of the hardware and the stability of the chip supply over the union's leverage to halt all operations.
