Employees of Samsung are currently striking to demand better working conditions and increased pay, with a significant rally held in South Korea on Monday. This protest marks the third week of their ongoing action.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally at the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. The demonstration followed recent initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout did not yield the desired workplace improvements. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many of them are actively participating in the indefinite strike, which has become the largest in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung projecting a substantial year-over-year revenue increase of over 1,450% for the second quarter, driven by a surge in AI technology, the NSEU has highlighted that workers have yet to see corresponding raises in their pay. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024.
A significant number of strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, known for producing some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. With a reputation for being resistant to unionization and lacking experience in labor negotiations, experts suggest that a successful strike could strengthen labor movements across South Korea.