Samsung Electronics is facing growing pressure from its unionised workforce, with senior executives stepping in for last-minute talks ahead of a potential strike over pay and bonuses.

Union representatives met with co-CEO Jun Young-Hyun on Monday after previously planning a public announcement of industrial action near the home of company chairman Lee Jae-Yong. That event was called off when management proposed direct discussions instead.

During the meeting, Jun acknowledged employee concerns and indicated the company would review the demands being raised. He also signalled that further negotiations could take place, suggesting the door remains open to additional dialogue in the coming weeks.

At the centre of the dispute are calls from the union to remove limits on bonus payments, introduce a 7 per cent pay increase and improve transparency around how performance-based incentives are calculated across different divisions.

The union has significant backing among staff, with a recent vote showing 93.1 per cent of members in favour of taking strike action. It represents around 90,000 workers across the company.

Samsung’s leadership is now weighing how to balance employee expectations with broader business considerations, particularly across its various operating units. The outcome of the talks could determine whether the dispute escalates into industrial action in May or moves towards a negotiated resolution.