Samsung employees striking for improved working conditions and increased pay held a large rally in South Korea on Monday, marking the continuation of their protest against the company into its third week.
Approximately 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) rallied and marched at the Giheung campus in Yongin, as reported by the Associated Press. This demonstration followed initial wage negotiation discussions held between the union and Samsung on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The NSEU workers declared an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not achieve the desired workplace improvements. While the union represents over 30,000 employees, it remains unclear how many are participating in the indefinite strike. Nevertheless, this current strike is noted as the largest in the history of the technology giant.
Samsung is anticipating a massive increase in its second-quarter revenue, expected to rise more than 1,450% year-over-year, fueled by a surge in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the company reported a tenfold increase in profits for the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU claims that workers have not seen corresponding increases in their pay despite these substantial financial gains.
Many strikers are employed at Samsung’s foundry, where they produce some of the most advanced computer chips globally, as noted by AFP. Experts have mentioned that Samsung has a history of being resistant to union activities and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, stated that if Samsung workers succeed in their efforts, it could empower the broader labor movement across South Korea.