Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher salaries held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing action against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, which took place at the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that were held on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU called for an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the workplace improvements sought by its members. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it’s unclear how many are currently participating in the indefinite strike. Regardless, this strike stands as the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung has projected a staggering increase of more than 1,450% in its second-quarter revenue year-over-year, largely attributed to a surge in artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the company reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU indicated that workers have not seen any rise in wages despite these record profits.
Many of the striking employees are involved in Samsung’s foundry operations, which produce some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Experts note that Samsung has historically been unfriendly towards unionization and lacks experience in engaging with its workforce on negotiations.
Professor Vladimir Tikhonov from the University of Oslo remarked that a successful outcome for Samsung workers could empower labor movements across South Korea.