Employees at Samsung are campaigning for improved working conditions and increased wages, as they held a significant rally in South Korea on Monday. This protest marks the continuation of their strike, which has now entered its third week.
Around 1,200 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the rally, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin, according to reports. The demonstration followed initial wage negotiations between the union and Samsung that took place on Friday.
The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after previous attempts to secure better workplace conditions did not yield results. Although the union represents over 30,000 workers, the exact number participating in the indefinite strike remains unclear. Nevertheless, this strike is being considered the largest in the company’s history.
Samsung anticipates a staggering 1,450% increase in its second-quarter revenue on a year-over-year basis, attributed to the surge in artificial intelligence. The company also reported a tenfold increase in profits during the first quarter of 2024. However, the NSEU has pointed out that despite these record earnings, employees have not received corresponding pay increases.
Many of the striking workers are involved in the foundry sector, where some of the world’s most advanced computer chips are manufactured. Experts note that Samsung has a reputation for being antagonistic toward unions and has limited experience in labor negotiations.
According to Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, if Samsung workers are successful in their efforts, it could significantly empower labor movements throughout South Korea.