Samsung Compliance Committee Fully Activates Labor Subcommittee: "Labor Rights Must Be Upheld in Labor-Labor Relations Too"

Lee Chanhee, Chairman of the Samsung Compliance Committee, Holds Press Briefing
Labor-Labor Conflict and Allegations of Personal Gain Addressed
“Presumption of Innocence Until the Facts Are Verified”

Lee Chanhee, Chairman of the Samsung Compliance Committee, recently emphasized, in connection with the escalating union conflict within Samsung Electronics, that “labor rights are an essential principle that must be upheld not only in labor-management relations but also in labor-labor relations.”

On the afternoon of the 15th at Samsung Life Seocho Tower, Chairman Lee met with reporters and made these remarks regarding the recent convening of the Labor Subcommittee and labor issues within Samsung.

Concerning the recently held Labor Subcommittee, Chairman Lee explained, “We did not discuss bonuses; rather, the Compliance Committee encouraged a labor-management relations advisory group established within Samsung to present a report on overall labor matters, and we exchanged opinions based on that.” He added, “We plan to continue communicating with the advisory group, composed of top experts in labor issues, to further activate the labor subcommittee and seek guidance from various specialists.”

Lee Chanhee, Chairman of the Samsung Compliance Committee, is answering questions from the press on the afternoon of the 15th at the Samsung Life Seocho Tower. Photo by Jinyoung Kim

Regarding the intensifying conflict among labor unions within Samsung Electronics, Chairman Lee underscored labor rights as a core value. He stated, “Since the launch of the second committee, and now through the third and fourth terms, the first of our three key tasks has always been labor rights,” adding, “Labor rights must be respected not just in labor-management relationships, but also in labor-labor relationships, so I will continue to pay attention to and pursue this issue.”

When asked about the most critical point of contention at the Labor Subcommittee, he reiterated the importance of labor rights by saying, “Regardless of the law in question, labor activities must be carried out with the respect for human rights in both labor-management and labor-labor relations.”

Regarding the recent situation in which the executive team of the largest union at Samsung Electronics, the Federation of Samsung Electronics Labor Unions, was referred to the prosecution over allegations of compiling a blacklist, and controversies surrounding the union leader’s alleged personal gain and other legal or ethical irregularities, Chairman Lee maintained a principled stance as a legal professional.

He commented, “As a legal expert, I trust in the principle of presumption of innocence,” continuing, “It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter when the facts have not yet been confirmed.” However, he added, “I will further verify the facts regarding the cases in question.”

Regarding suspicions that some employees may have improperly received monthly rent subsidies, Chairman Lee responded, “We have not yet fully verified the facts.” He continued, “Should any issues be found in the process, I believe Samsung will address them according to the law and established principles.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.