Samsung employees have rallied in South Korea for improved working conditions and increased pay as their strike enters its third week. Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) gathered at the Giheung campus in Yongin to demonstrate their determination for better terms, according to reports.
The rally follows recent negotiations between the union and Samsung, which took place on Friday. Workers initially declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not yield the desired outcomes.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the specific number participating in the current strike remains unclear. Nonetheless, this action marks one of the largest labor movements in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung’s projections showing an incredible 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue, driven by a surge in artificial intelligence demand, the NSEU claims that workers have not seen corresponding increases in their wages. Many of the striking employees are employed in Samsung’s foundry, where some of the world’s most sophisticated computer chips are manufactured.
Experts point out that Samsung has a reputation for being unsupportive of union activities and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce. A professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo remarked that if the workers succeed in their efforts, it could inspire greater solidarity and empower the labor movement across South Korea.
This strike highlights an important moment for workers’ rights, showcasing their resilience and willingness to stand up for fair compensation in the face of a profitable business model. The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for labor negotiations in the region, fostering a more equitable work environment in the future.
In summary, this situation reflects larger trends in labor movements, emphasizing the need for fair wages and working conditions amid rising corporate profits. It remains to be seen how Samsung will respond and whether this strike will lead to meaningful changes for workers.