Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and higher wages held a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the third week of their protest against the company.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, South Korea, as reported by the Associated Press.
This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation talks between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU began an indefinite strike on July 8 after an earlier walkout did not yield the desired workplace improvements for its members.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are currently participating in the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this action is noted as the largest strike in Samsung’s history.
Despite a forecast by Samsung that predicts a more than 1,450% increase in second-quarter revenue due to a surge in AI demand, as well as a tenfold rise in profits for the first three months of 2024, the NSEU claims that workers are not benefiting from these record earnings.
Many of the striking employees are involved in Samsung’s foundry operations, which produce some of the most advanced computer chips globally.
Experts highlight that Samsung has a reputation for being hostile towards unions and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
If the Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could serve to empower labor movements across South Korea, according to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo.