Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and increased wages held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing action against the company.
Around 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, as reported by the Associated Press.
The demonstration followed initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements for its members.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are participating in the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this action is noted as the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung anticipates a remarkable increase in its second-quarter revenue, projecting a year-over-year rise of over 1,450% due to a surge in AI-related business. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU claims that workers have not benefitted from these record profits in terms of pay increases.
A significant portion of the striking workers is involved in Samsung’s foundry, which is responsible for the production of some of the most advanced computer chips globally.
Experts highlight that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to labor unions and has limited experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Professor Vladimir Tikhonov, a specialist in Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower the entire labor movement in South Korea.