Employees of Samsung held a large rally in South Korea on Monday as they continue their strike for better working conditions and increased pay, now entering its third week. Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) marched through the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports.
This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation talks between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday. The NSEU had declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout did not achieve the desired improvements in workplace conditions.
While the union represents over 30,000 workers, the exact number participating in the ongoing indefinite strike remains unclear. Nonetheless, this strike is marked as the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung is anticipating a significant boost in its second-quarter revenue, projecting an increase of more than 1,450% year-over-year, largely due to the surge in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold rise in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU asserts that employees have not seen corresponding pay raises despite these record financial returns.
Many of the striking workers are involved in the production of highly advanced computer chips at Samsung’s foundry. Experts note that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to unionization and has limited experience in negotiating with its employees.
Professor Vladimir Tikhonov of the University of Oslo remarked that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could inspire and strengthen the labor movement across South Korea.