Employees at Samsung have gathered for a large rally in South Korea, demanding improved working conditions and increased pay as their strike enters its third week. Approximately 1,200 workers from the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) participated in the demonstration, marching through the Giheung campus in Yongin.
The rally followed initial wage negotiation discussions between the union and Samsung conducted last Friday. The NSEU initiated an indefinite strike on July 8 after a previous walkout did not yield the desired workplace improvements.
While the union represents over 30,000 employees, the exact number currently participating in the indefinite strike is unclear. Nevertheless, this ongoing protest is acknowledged as the largest in Samsung’s history.
Despite Samsung projecting a revenue increase of over 1,450% year-over-year for the second quarter due to growth in artificial intelligence, and reporting a tenfold profit surge in the first quarter of 2024, the NSEU claims that workers have not received corresponding pay increases amid these record profits.
Many striking employees are involved in the production of advanced computer chips at Samsung’s foundry. Experts note that Samsung has a reputation for being resistant to union activities and lacks experience in negotiating with its workforce.
Experts assert that if Samsung workers successfully achieve their goals, it could significantly empower labor movements across South Korea.