Employees of Samsung are continuing their strike for improved working conditions and higher pay, as they held 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, which took place along the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea.
This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions that took place between the union and Samsung on the previous Friday.
The NSEU workers had initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the workplace improvements they were advocating for.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many have joined the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this event represents the largest strike in the history of the tech giant.
Samsung anticipates a significant increase in second-quarter revenue, projecting a rise of more than 1,450% year-over-year due to a surge in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU argues that workers have not experienced corresponding increases in their pay despite these record profits.
Many of those striking are employed in Samsung’s foundry, where some of the world’s most advanced computer chips are manufactured.
Experts note that Samsung has a reputation for being hostile towards unions and has limited experience in negotiating with its workforce.
“If Samsung workers succeed in this endeavor, it will empower the rest of South Korea’s labor,” stated Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo.