Samsung employees advocating for improved working conditions and increased wages participated in a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their ongoing strike.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) took to the streets, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiations held between the union and Samsung on Friday.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8, after a previous walkout did not achieve the workplace improvements its members sought. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it is unclear how many are actively participating in the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this is noted as the largest strike in the history of the technology giant.
Despite Samsung Electronics projecting a staggering 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue year-over-year, largely attributed to an AI boom, workers have expressed frustration over stagnant wages amidst the company’s record profits. Reports indicate that the union’s members, many of whom are employed in Samsung’s foundry operations where advanced computer chips are produced, are feeling the impact of these profit margins in their own paychecks.
Experts highlight that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to union activities and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce. Analysts suggest that a successful outcome for Samsung workers could have significant implications for labor movements across South Korea, potentially empowering the broader workforce.