Samsung’s labor union, discontent with the current bonus allocation system, has issued a warning of an 18-day strike commencing on May 21. They are demanding that 15% of the company’s annual operating profit, which amounts to approximately US$30 billion, be distributed among employees as bonuses. The immediate catalyst for this labor unrest is Samsung’s remarkable financial performance. Both sales and operating profit for the first quarter of 2026 are projected to surpass market expectations, with operating profit soaring by 700% year-on-year and 184% quarter-on-quarter. Employees contend that, despite these record-breaking profits, the company has failed to share its financial success equitably, accusing management of excessive frugality. Analysts at KB Securities forecast substantial operating profits for Samsung in 2026 and 2027, with the potential to outpace Nvidia. The looming strike is the culmination of long-standing tensions between labor and management. Last year, Samsung employees staged a three-day walkout, and this time, the union is prepared to escalate their actions significantly.