Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and higher wages gathered for a significant rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their protest into its third week. Approximately 1,200 members from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the demonstration, marching through the company’s Giheung campus in Yongin.
This rally follows initial wage negotiation discussions that took place on Friday between the union and Samsung. The NSEU had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not yield the desired improvements for its members. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number currently on strike remains unclear. However, this strike is noted as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung has reported anticipated revenue growth exceeding 1,450% year-over-year, largely attributed to the ongoing artificial intelligence boom. The company also indicated a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. Despite this financial success, the NSEU claims that workers have not seen corresponding salary increases.
Many employees participating in the strike are from Samsung’s foundry, where state-of-the-art computer chips are manufactured. Experts note that Samsung has a history of being resistant to unionization and lacks experience in labor negotiations.
Notably, if the workers are successful in their efforts, it could inspire and strengthen the labor movement across South Korea, according to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo.
The ongoing strike reflects the growing awareness among workers in various industries about their rights and the importance of fair compensation, especially in successful companies. With the right outcome, this could lead to more equitable labor practices across South Korea, highlighting a hopeful shift towards better workplace conditions and support for employee rights.