Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and higher wages held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their strike against the tech giant.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, which took place at the Giheung campus in Yongin. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung that occurred on Friday.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not yield the desired improvements in workplace conditions. While the union represents over 30,000 workers, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nevertheless, this current strike is noted to be the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung anticipates a substantial increase in its second-quarter revenue, projecting a rise of over 1,450% year-over-year fueled by developments in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. Despite these financial successes, the NSEU contends that workers have not benefited from corresponding wage hikes.
Many striking workers are employed in Samsung’s foundry, where they produce some of the world’s most advanced computer chips. Experts highlight that Samsung has a reputation for being less than accommodating to unions and has limited experience in negotiations with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, noted that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could strengthen the labor movement across South Korea.