Some Production Lines Begin 'Warm-Down' Ahead of Strike [Final Showdown Between Samsung Electronics and Labor]

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As Samsung Electronics management and labor failed to narrow their differences over performance bonuses, the company has stepped up efforts to minimize damage to semiconductor production lines on the 20th, one day before the union's planned general strike. Along with a so-called "warm-down" measure to adjust the amount of new wafers fed into some production lines, the company is also securing essential workers under a court injunction in an effort to limit the spread of production and quality risks.
According to the semiconductor industry on the 20th, Samsung Electronics is said to have begun the so-called "warm-down" measure in some production lines in preparation for the general strike scheduled for the 21st. The company is adjusting the amount of new wafers fed into the lines and the pace of each process.
A warm-down is a preemptive measure that gradually slows production flow instead of abruptly stopping semiconductor processes. It is intended to reduce the risk of wafer damage, equipment problems, or defects while wafers are in process. Semiconductor production lines are structured around hundreds of consecutive processes. If a manpower gap or equipment disruption occurs at a particular stage, it can lead not only to lower output but also to reduced yields and quality problems. As the possibility of a general strike grows, the company has begun making advance adjustments by reducing newly introduced volumes and safely handling wafers already in the line. Even so, production disruptions caused by the strike are expected to be unavoidable. Industry observers also warn that the disruptions could cost the company trillions of won a day and undermine trust from global customers in its stable supply capacity. Apple and HP, among other clients, are already reported to have asked the company whether the situation will affect delivery schedules.
Samsung Electronics is also moving to secure essential workers in line with a recent court injunction. Earlier, the court ruled that even if the union launches a general strike, staffing for security-related work, including safety facilities and tasks to prevent product deterioration, must be maintained at normal levels. In response, the company recently sent the union a notice saying it would draw up daily work schedules to ensure that safety and security operations continue normally during the strike. The company estimates that 2,396 workers are needed each day for safety duties and 4,691 for security work, for a total of 7,087.
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one1@fnnews.com Jeong Won-il Reporter