Media: Seoul government pushes for emergency arbitration between Samsung union and management

South Korean media report the Seoul government will order emergency arbitration between Samsung Electronics' union and the company, after talks between the two sides fell through.

This could avert a proposed strike which is to start on Thursday.

Union leader Choi Seung-ho says the union accepted a proposal presented by a government mediator, but the planned 18-day strike would go ahead as there is still one sticking point.

Samsung's management says the union insists on "unacceptable demands" that include the size of bonuses for loss-making units.

The government had said earlier if it decides to intervene, it would be due to the potential damage a strike could inflict on the economy.

An emergency arbitration order would prevent the strike from going ahead for 30 days while the government mediate talks.