Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages organized a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their action into the third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally and marched along the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press.
This demonstration followed initial wage negotiations that took place between the union and Samsung last Friday, as noted by Bloomberg.
The NSEU workers initiated an indefinite strike on July 8, succeeding a prior walkout that did not achieve desired workplace improvements.
While the union represents over 30,000 workers, it remains unclear how many are participating in the indefinite strike. Nonetheless, this action is recognized as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Samsung anticipates a significant increase in its second-quarter revenue, projecting a rise of over 1,450% year-over-year, largely driven by a boom in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first three months of 2024. However, the NSEU claims that workers have not experienced corresponding pay raises despite these record profits.
Many strikers are employed in Samsung’s foundry, where some of the world’s most advanced computer chips are manufactured, according to AFP.
Experts indicate that Samsung has a challenging history with union relationships and lacks extensive experience in negotiating with its workers.
“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, in comments to AFP.