An influential Samsung Electronics employees union on Thursday warned that its members may stroll out over a wage dispute in what might be the South Korean tech big’s first strike in its historical past.

The Nationwide Samsung Electronics Union claims that Samsung administration has lower the union out of wage negotiations.

The NSEU, which says it represents round 10,000 employees, or round 9% of staff, staged a press convention exterior considered one of Samsung’s buildings in Seoul and demanded the tech big’s Chairman Lee Jae-yong be part of the discussions.

Lee Hyun-kuk, a consultant of the union, stated it might go on strike after a session with its members however stated it depends upon the “angle” of Samsung Chair Lee, and his willingness to barter, in accordance with native media stories that had been posted on the union’s web site.

“It depends upon the angle of chairman Lee Jae-yong. We sincerely ask him to return to the desk for talks,” the NSEU’s Lee stated, in accordance with Bloomberg.

Samsung was not instantly accessible for remark when contacted by CNBC.

If the walkout goes forward, it might be the primary strike for the reason that founding of Samsung Electronics in 1969. Samsung Electronics encompasses Samsung’s client {hardware}, semiconductor, show and cell provider companies.

Rigidity with employees comes at a delicate time for the world’s largest smartphone and reminiscence chip maker, after its working revenue within the first quarter plunged to its lowest stage since 2009. Samsung has been harm by falling costs and demand for its reminiscence chips, which is its largest revenue driver.

The union is asking for a 6% wage enhance for employees. Samsung administration stated final month it might enhance wages by round 4%, in accordance with the union.