South Korea’s government stepped up pressure on Samsung Electronics and its union to avert a strike that officials say could cost the economy billions.

Samsung Electronics shares fell 9% as its labor union pushed ahead with an 18-day strike amid stalled wage talks.

Marathon negotiation sessions have failed to narrow differences between labor and management at Samsung Electronics, as bonuses from record-breaking profits remain a sticking point

While crisis has put South Korea on edge, government threatened to order arbitration