Samsung Electronics Co. struck a tentative deal with its largest union leaders at the last minute, barely avoiding a potentially catastrophic strike this week. The agreement promises to share more profits from the AI boom with workers, but the narrow escape has done little to ease tension across the company.

Inside the $1.1 trillion technology behemoth, not everyone is happy with the outcome. Some workers resent colleagues who will benefit from the new bonus structure, creating friction that could linger long after the immediate crisis passes.

The strike threat exposed how quickly labor disputes can destabilize one of Asia's most valuable firms. Samsung's leaders now face the harder task of keeping a divided workforce productive as the AI boom continues reshaping its earnings.