Samsung Electronics and its largest labour union failed to bridge their differences after two days of government-mediated talks in Sejong (South Korea's administrative capital), raising the prospect of a major strike on 21 May at the world's largest memory chipmaker. The dispute centres on performance bonuses tied to AI-related profits: the union is demanding payouts equal to 15 percent of operating profit with no cap, while management has offered 10 percent plus a one-time special compensation package. With an estimated 41,000 to 50,000 workers poised to walk out, analysts warn that a full-scale strike could cost the South Korean economy more than 40 trillion won (roughly $26.8 billion USD), and a court is expected to rule by 20 May on Samsung's request for an injunction to block the action.