Samsung Employees Stand Firm: A Historic Strike in South Korea

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Employees of Samsung are continuing their strike for improved working conditions and higher wages, staging a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their action.

Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday, as noted by Bloomberg.

The NSEU announced an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number currently on indefinite strike is unclear. Nevertheless, this strike is noted as the largest in Samsung’s history.

Despite Samsung’s anticipated significant revenue growth of more than 1,450% year-over-year in the second quarter, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence, workers have expressed dissatisfaction with their pay, particularly as the company reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. Many striking employees are involved in Samsung’s foundry operations, which are responsible for producing some of the most advanced computer chips globally.

Experts have noted that Samsung has a challenging history with unions and lacks extensive experience in negotiating with its workforce. According to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, if Samsung workers are successful in their efforts, it could empower labor movements across South Korea.

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