Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages participated in a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their action against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) rallied and marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday.
The NSEU initially called for an indefinite strike on July 8 after a prior walkout failed to produce the desired workplace improvements. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are currently on strike. Nonetheless, this action is noted as the largest in the history of the technology firm.
Samsung anticipates its second-quarter revenue will soar more than 1,450% year-over-year, driven by a surge in AI-related demand. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU stated that workers have not seen corresponding pay increases despite these substantial profits.
A significant number of the strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, which produces some of the most sophisticated computer chips globally.
Experts highlight that Samsung has a reputation for being unfriendly towards unions and lacks experience in direct negotiations with its workforce. According to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, the success of Samsung workers could strengthen the labor movement across South Korea.